By Burnett Munthali
The violent attack on the Maria Goretti Convent for the Sisters of the Blessed Virgin Mary (SBVM) near Limbe Cathedral in Blantyre on Saturday is an unspeakable act that violates the sanctity of religious spaces and tarnishes the moral fabric of Malawi. This heinous incident, allegedly perpetrated by over 20 armed men linked to the ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP), has left a security guard fighting for his life and the nuns traumatized by the terror they endured. The fact that such an attack occurred on sacred ground is a chilling reminder of the rising tide of political violence in our nation.
The brutality of the attack—armed assailants wielding pangas, machetes, stones, and clubs—speaks volumes about the depth of lawlessness and impunity plaguing Malawi. The attackers attempted to break into the convent, where the nuns reside, with the intent to wreak havoc. It is only due to the courage of the security guard that their mission was foiled, but at a significant cost. The guard’s injuries are a grim reminder of the violence that too often goes unpunished in this country.
What makes this assault even more disturbing is its timing. Just days before the attack, Archbishop Thomas Luke Msusa delivered a Christmas Eve sermon in Limbe Cathedral where he openly criticized the Chikangawa Commission of Inquiry report. The Archbishop’s remarks clearly struck a nerve with government supporters and some factions within the ruling MCP. While it remains unclear if this attack was a direct retaliation for the Archbishop’s words, the possibility cannot be ignored. It is evident that there are elements within the political elite who are willing to use violence to silence those who speak truth to power.
This is not just an assault on the Catholic Church—it is an attack on the very values that make Malawi a nation grounded in peace, justice, and respect for human dignity. Religious institutions are meant to be havens of solace, peace, and moral guidance. To attack them is to attack the heart of our society. It is a gross violation of the constitutional rights enshrined in our nation’s legal framework, which guarantees the freedom of worship and the protection of religious institutions.
The government, particularly the ruling MCP, must take immediate and decisive action to distance itself from this act of violence. If it is proven that these thugs were acting under the direction or with the complicity of political forces, those responsible must face the full wrath of the law. There is no room for political thuggery in Malawi. The impunity that has flourished under the cover of political power must end. Every Malawian, regardless of political affiliation, must stand firm against violence and the abuse of power.
In light of this attack, the question we must all ask ourselves is this: What kind of nation are we becoming? Are we a nation that respects the sanctity of our religious spaces, or are we sinking into a mire of violence and intimidation? If we are to uphold the principles of peace and justice, it is essential that we reject the use of force as a means of political expression.
As the Catholic community in Blantyre and beyond recovers from this trauma, we must stand together in condemnation of this act. The Church has always been a pillar of social and moral progress in Malawi. An attack on the Church is an attack on the soul of the nation. To the perpetrators of this violence, let this be clear: Malawi will not tolerate intimidation or bloodshed in the name of politics. We will not allow the forces of fear and violence to hold our nation hostage.
It is imperative that those responsible for this attack are swiftly brought to justice. Additionally, we must implement measures to prevent such acts from occurring in the future. This includes strengthening the rule of law, ensuring the protection of all citizens, and holding those who incite or engage in violence accountable.
Let us reject political violence in all its forms and work toward a Malawi where peace, justice, and respect for human life are the foundation of our society. Only through unity, compassion, and the rule of law can we ensure that such an attack on the Catholic Church—and any other institution of peace—never happens again.
In these challenging times, let us stand as one. Let us defend the principles that make Malawi a beacon of hope in a troubled world. Together, we can restore the peace and tolerance that should be the hallmark of our nation.
