By Suleman Chitera Lilongwe, Malawi — June 27, 2025
The quasi-religious body, Public Affairs Committee (PAC), has strongly condemned the Malawi Police Service (MPS) and Malawi Defence Force (MDF) for their failure to protect demonstrators during today’s nationwide protests, which were marred by violence in the capital city, Lilongwe.
In a strongly worded statement issued this evening and signed by PAC Chairperson Monsignor Patrick Thawale, the committee expressed grave concern over the conduct of the country’s security agencies, suggesting that their inaction may indicate complicity by the ruling party.
“The present conduct of the police provides fertile ground which leads to the conclusion that the ruling party may be behind this conduct,” reads part of the statement. “If the panga team was from the opposition, arrests would have been swiftly effected.”
The protests, which also took place in Blantyre and Mzuzu, were organised by the pressure group Citizens for Credible Elections (CCE). The demonstrators are demanding the resignation of Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) Chairperson Annabel Mtalimanja and Chief Elections Officer Andrew Mpesi, accusing them of compromising the integrity of the electoral process.
Violence erupted in Lilongwe when unknown assailants armed with panga knives reportedly attacked protesters, including the group’s leader, Sylvester Namiwa. Eyewitnesses claim the assaults occurred in full view of police officers and military personnel, who did not intervene to stop the violence.
PAC noted that the apparent reluctance by law enforcement to apprehend the perpetrators has only fueled public suspicion of political interference. “The failure to act on those who attacked demonstrators points to the fact that the ruling party may be behind the unfortunate conduct,” the statement continued.
The committee has called on the authorities to immediately investigate the attacks and bring the culprits to justice, warning that failure to do so will further erode public confidence in democratic institutions and Malawi’s security apparatus.
The PAC’s condemnation adds to a growing wave of criticism from civil society groups, opposition parties, and legal bodies who say the safety of citizens and the credibility of Malawi’s democratic processes are increasingly under threat.
