By Suleman Chitera
Namiwa cried. And with him, the spirit of justice in Malawi shed a tear.
Beaten. Manhandled. Humiliated.
All this happened in broad daylight, in full view of men and women dressed in the uniforms of our so-called security forces — the Malawi Defence Force (MDF) and the Malawi Police Service (MPS). But what did these guardians of our Constitution do? Nothing. Absolutely nothing.
What is even more troubling is that those who brutalized Namiwa and other peaceful demonstrators were in military uniforms. Yes, uniforms! Just a day after the Minister of Homeland Security publicly warned citizens against wearing security attire, real or fake, here we are — watching people in uniform committing crimes and walking free.
attacker in T shirt and hat military attire
Where is the law? Where is the arrest? Where is the outrage?
The silence from the Government, from the Malawi Police, and from the Defence Force is louder than bullets. And it is dangerous. Because silence is complicity.
We have seen condemnation from the United States President and no fewer than seven foreign diplomatic missions. Former President Bakili Muluzi has broken ranks to raise his voice. So have faith groups, NGOs, the Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC), and countless patriotic Malawians. They have all cried out, not just for Namiwa, but for what is happening to our democracy.
But the Government remains mute. Is it fear? Is it shame? Or is it simply indifference?
Let us ask the hard questions:
- Who exactly were those people in uniform beating civilians?
- Why hasn’t even one arrest been made up to this hour?
- Are these truly Malawi’s security forces — or political enforcers in disguise?
- Can we, as ordinary citizens, still trust the military and the police to protect us, not punish us?
- Are these security institutions serving the State or just the ruling party?
It is terrifying to think that our defence and police forces, funded by the taxpayer, may have been turned into private tools of political intimidation. It is even more terrifying to think that rogue elements — wearing real uniforms — can beat citizens and walk away untouched.
If those tasked with protecting the law become bystanders to injustice, then we are not far from becoming a lawless nation. The idea of a professional, non-partisan, people-serving security force is what makes a country safe and democratic. When that collapses, what remains?
Namiwa cried. But this isn’t just his pain. It is a national wound. If Malawi is still a democracy, then this moment must be a turning point. Otherwise, we are slowly — and silently — becoming a police state, where uniforms terrify more than they reassure.
Abale, dziko lija lafika apa. Tiyeni tiganize mozama.
Silence is not an option. Not anymore.
The author is a concerned citizen and journalist based in Lilongwe.
