By Suleman Chitera, Lilongwe, Malawi
Prominent human rights activists have called on the Malawi Police Service to immediately arrest the panga-wielding attackers who brutally assaulted peaceful demonstrators in Lilongwe on Thursday, leaving activist Sylvester Namiwa seriously injured.
The call was made by Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) Chairperson Gift Trapence and National Advocacy Platform (NAP) Chairperson Benedicto Kondowe, who visited Namiwa at his residence where he is recovering from the vicious attack.
Namiwa, the Executive Director of the Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI), sustained deep cuts to his head and back after being assaulted in broad daylight. The attack reportedly took place in full view of Malawi Police and Malawi Defence Force (MDF) personnel, who have been heavily criticized for failing to intervene.
Trapence condemned the violence, describing the assault as a direct attack on Malawi’s democratic values. “We are demanding swift action from the police. The law must apply equally. These thugs should be arrested and prosecuted without delay,” he said.
Kondowe, who also chairs the Civil Society Elections Integrity Forum (CSEIF), echoed the call for justice, urging authorities to expedite investigations and bring the perpetrators and masterminds to book.
“This was not just an attack on Namiwa; it was an attack on all Malawians who believe in freedom of expression and peaceful protest,” said Kondowe.
Speaking from his home, Namiwa expressed deep disappointment with the security agencies, saying he was left vulnerable and unprotected. “I am still in pain. What pains me more is that the police and MDF stood by while I was being attacked. I never imagined such betrayal,” he said.
The incident has drawn condemnation from both local and international observers, as concerns grow over the safety of activists and the state of law enforcement ahead of the 2025 elections.
