By Burnett Munthali
Lilongwe, Malawi’s capital city, witnessed another dramatic act of public dissent on Tuesday morning when a group of irate young men armed with machetes disrupted the erection of a billboard featuring President Lazarus Chakwera. The technicians, hired to install the billboard in one of the city’s suburbs, were forced to flee as the group vented their frustrations in a scene captured on video.
The video, which has since gone viral, shows young men—believed to be aged between 18 and 35—hurling insults at the workers. Some of them are seen waving their machetes menacingly, while others defaced the President’s image by dismembering his face and arms on the billboard.
In an impassioned display of anger, one youth shouted:
“Tiye chokaaaaa! Chakwera wakoyo kuno ayiiiiiii! Watizunza kwambiriiiiii! Liza Galimoto yako idzipitaaaa!”
The statement, loosely translated, means, “Get out! We don’t want Chakwera here! He has tormented us too much! Take your vehicle and leave!”
The technicians, fearing for their lives, abandoned their work and fled, leaving behind a half-erected and vandalized billboard.
The chaotic scene came just a day after clashes between police and anti-government protesters rocked the same city. The demonstrators had intended to hold peaceful marches to voice dissatisfaction with the Chakwera administration, citing unfulfilled promises, worsening economic conditions, and allegations of corruption.
Monday’s protests, however, escalated into violent confrontations as police used tear gas to disperse crowds. Protesters responded by burning tires and chanting anti-government slogans, setting the tone for Tuesday’s confrontation.
The destruction of the billboard goes beyond mere vandalism—it is a potent symbol of the mounting frustrations among Malawians. Analysts suggest that the act reflects a public tired of perceived inaction and broken promises by the current government.
Political analyst Mphatso Mwale noted, “The targeting of Chakwera’s image is significant. It is a direct message to the leadership that people are angry and feel betrayed. For many, the President’s face on that billboard represents unfulfilled dreams and a worsening quality of life.”
When President Chakwera and the Tonse Alliance took office in 2020, they pledged to bring transformational change. Promises included creating one million jobs, rooting out corruption, and improving living standards. However, as Malawi grapples with soaring inflation, a depreciating currency, and high unemployment rates, many feel these promises remain unfulfilled.
The youth, who were a critical voting bloc in 2020, now express feelings of betrayal. For them, job opportunities remain scarce, and basic commodities have become increasingly unaffordable.
“Three years ago, we believed in Chakwera’s vision, but now we are worse off,” said a Lilongwe resident who witnessed Tuesday’s incident. “The youth have lost hope, and these outbursts are just the beginning.”
Malawi is set to go to the polls in 2025, but the political atmosphere is already heating up. Incidents like the one in Lilongwe reflect an electorate that is increasingly vocal about its dissatisfaction.
Analysts have described the current environment as a “ticking bomb,” with the potential for more unrest if the government fails to address grievances.
“The combination of economic hardship and unfulfilled promises has created a volatile situation,” said Mwale. “The government must act swiftly to rebuild trust or risk further incidents of this nature.”
In the aftermath of the incident, civil society organizations have called for dialogue between the government and its citizens. They argue that open communication and tangible actions to address grievances could help de-escalate tensions.
Meanwhile, the Malawi Police Service has condemned the attack on the technicians, urging citizens to express their frustrations through lawful means.
In a statement, Police spokesperson James Kadadzera said, “Violence and destruction of property will not solve our problems. We urge all citizens to use peaceful and legal avenues to air their concerns.”
As the vandalized billboard remains a stark symbol of unrest, the Chakwera administration faces mounting pressure to take decisive action. Addressing economic challenges, creating opportunities for the youth, and delivering on campaign promises will be critical in calming the storm.
However, with elections just months away, time is running out for the government to turn public sentiment around. For now, the anger displayed on Tuesday serves as a sobering reminder of the growing divide between Malawians and their leaders—and the urgent need for solutions.
Burnett Munthali is a political analyst and journalist specializing in Malawian current affairs.
