By Burnett Munthali
The Malawi Congress Party (MCP) has called upon all well-meaning Malawians, human rights organizations, faith groups, political parties, traditional leaders, and the media to speak out against acts of political violence allegedly incited by leaders of the opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).
Speaking at a press conference held at the MCP headquarters in Lilongwe on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, MCP Secretary General Richard Chimwendo Banda expressed deep concern over the growing number of instances where DPP leaders are allegedly inciting their supporters to engage in violent acts, especially against MCP supporters.
According to Chimwendo Banda, the acts of violence are being orchestrated in various regions as the country prepares for the 2025 elections. He accused the DPP of promoting chaos and undermining Malawi’s democratic processes.
“We cannot stand by and watch as opposition leaders turn to violence as a tool to intimidate and silence others. These acts are a threat to our democracy, and all stakeholders must unite to condemn them,” Chimwendo Banda said.
The MCP further called on stakeholders, including traditional authorities and the media, to ensure that they are not complicit through silence but actively work to promote peace and accountability.
The MCP’s plea has sparked mixed reactions, with critics accusing the party of hypocrisy. Some argue that MCP has previously failed to condemn violence perpetrated by its own supporters against members of the opposition.
“The MCP did not speak out against the violence at Mbowe Filling Station, which was reportedly organized by one of their ministers. Why are they now asking others to condemn violence?” asked one political analyst.
Others pointed to incidents such as the attack on DPP and AFORD supporters in Mponela, suggesting that the MCP itself has benefited from a culture of political violence in the past.
Malawi’s political environment has increasingly been marked by tension and allegations of double standards. Both the ruling and opposition parties have been accused of engaging in inflammatory rhetoric and using financial incentives to encourage acts of aggression among supporters.
Observers argue that this trend threatens to escalate as the country inches closer to the 2025 general elections.
Civil society organizations have echoed the need for all political players to take responsibility for their actions and condemn violence in all its forms, regardless of the perpetrators.
“This is not about pointing fingers; it is about ensuring that Malawi remains a peaceful nation. All parties, including the MCP and DPP, must lead by example and denounce violence unequivocally,” said a representative from a local human rights group.
The MCP’s call for stakeholders to condemn political violence is a reminder of the urgent need for political maturity and accountability. However, the accusations of double standards leveled against the party highlight the complexity of the issue. As the 2025 elections draw nearer, Malawians will be watching to see if political leaders genuinely commit to fostering a peaceful and fair electoral process.
