By Burnett Munthali
A group of concerned Malawian citizens has announced nationwide demonstrations and vigils aimed at shutting down the offices of the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) on February 13, 2025. The protests are in response to MACRA’s controversial plan to procure a $1.5 million surveillance machine, which the protesters argue threatens democracy, civil liberties, and the country’s already fragile economy.
According to a statement issued by the organizers, the demonstrations will be focused on four key demands: stopping the purchase of the surveillance machine, prioritizing citizens’ welfare, protecting people’s rights, and defending democracy. The activists are calling on Malawians to join them in physically verifying the machine, using the phrase “Tiyeni konko tikaone matchiniwo” (Let’s go and see the machine ourselves). This slogan has gained traction among civil society groups and activists who believe the procurement process lacks transparency and is not in the best interest of Malawians.
The primary concern of the demonstrators is that the surveillance machine could be used to monitor citizens’ private communications, thereby infringing on their rights to privacy and freedom of expression. Activists warn that such a move could set a dangerous precedent, allowing authorities to silence critics, journalists, and opposition figures.
Malawi has a long history of fighting for democracy and human rights, and the protesters argue that this development threatens the democratic gains made since the end of one-party rule in 1994. They fear that, rather than serving national security interests, the machine could be exploited for political purposes, including tracking dissenting voices.
In addition to the concerns about privacy violations, the demonstrators have condemned the government’s decision to allocate $1.5 million for a surveillance machine while Malawi faces pressing socio-economic challenges. With high levels of unemployment, rising inflation, and struggling public services, they argue that the government should focus on improving healthcare, education, and food security instead of investing in surveillance technology.
“This is a time when Malawians are struggling to afford basic necessities. Why should we spend millions of dollars on a machine that does not address our immediate needs? The government must prioritize people’s welfare,” one of the protest organizers stated.
The protesters are framing their demonstration as a fight to uphold democracy and protect the rights of Malawians. They believe the planned surveillance system contradicts constitutional provisions that guarantee freedom of speech, privacy, and protection from government overreach. Civil society organizations, human rights defenders, and opposition parties have also expressed solidarity with the demonstrators, calling for full disclosure of the purpose and scope of the surveillance project.
With the slogan “Osaopa” (Don’t be afraid), the protest organizers are urging Malawians to turn out in large numbers to demand accountability from MACRA and the government. They insist that the people have a right to know how public funds are being spent and to resist any attempts to undermine democracy and civil liberties.
As the February 13 demonstrations approach, all eyes are on the authorities to see how they will respond to the growing public discontent. The event is expected to be one of the largest public protests in recent years, reflecting the deep frustrations of Malawians over governance, transparency, and human rights issues.
