By Burnett Munthali
A leading human rights organisation, Youth and Society (YAS), has openly challenged President Lazarus Chakwera to publicly commit to safeguarding the lives and freedoms of Malawians.
The group is specifically calling on the President to provide guarantees that citizens, including protest organisers and opposition political leaders, will be protected from violence and intimidation.
YAS believes that the current climate in Malawi is becoming increasingly hostile towards dissenting voices, and that there is an urgent need for government intervention to restore trust and order.
The organisation argues that the right to peaceful assembly and political participation is enshrined in the Constitution, and must be upheld regardless of one’s political affiliation.
They have called for the establishment of clear and actionable mechanisms that will ensure the safety of those who exercise their constitutional rights to protest and express political views.
According to YAS, the government must not only speak about democratic values but demonstrate its commitment by putting in place tangible structures that protect activists and opposition parties.
The group further warned that failure to do so could lead to escalating tensions and a deterioration of democratic norms in the country.
YAS maintains that President Chakwera, as the Head of State, bears the ultimate responsibility to assure the nation that Malawi remains a safe space for political expression and civic engagement.
They have therefore urged him to act swiftly and decisively in order to uphold the rule of law and protect the country’s democratic gains.
The statement by YAS comes at a time when reports of intimidation, arbitrary arrests, and political violence have sparked fear among civil society actors and political opponents.
As the political climate continues to heat up ahead of the 2025 general elections, YAS insists that protecting the rights of all citizens must remain a top priority for the government.
