By Vincent Gunde
The Defenders Group for Good Governance, has dismissed claims made by other people particularly the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) that the DPP organized the Anti-Violence demonstrations which were postponed to pave way for students to sit for the 2025 Malawi School Certificate of Educations (MSCE) Examinations.
The Group’s member, Blessings Chaima Lozalio said the Anti-Violence demonstrations slated for Friday, 4th July, 2025 in Lilongwe were organized by a concerned citizen of Malawi who is also a politician Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Vice President for the Centre, Hon. Alfred Gangata.
Chaima said Gangata, being a politician does not mean that he has no right to hold demonstrations in the country assuring all that the demos are on after form 4 students have finished writing their MSCE Examinations to be organized by the same Gangata not the DPP.
He congratulated Limpopo FM, Billy Banda and the Defenders Group for Good Governance for supporting Gangata saying they have shown up their truly heart that they can support others without jealousy and every one should know that jealousy is a total witchcraft.
Writing in a statement on the postponement of the Anti-Violence Demonstrations dated 4th July, 2025 the Joint Civil Society Organizations, has commended Gangata for his openness, maturity, and readiness to listen saying his decision to prioritize the rights of students reflects the spirit of leadership and patriotism.
The Joint CSO leaders have expressed their concern regarding the conduct of the Malawi Police Service and the MDF during the events of 26th June, 2025 in relation to their handling of the demonstrations and the failure to protect citizens one being activist Sylvester Namiwa from acts of MCP youth operative’s violence and intimidation.
The CSO leaders have called on President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera to take decisive and public action to address the events of 26th June, 2025 and a public assurance guaranteeing the safety and security of all Malawians ahead of the 16th September, 2025 General elections.
They have also called on the Police Chief and Army Commander to convene a multi- stakeholder meeting to reflect on the 26th June, 2025 incident and develop clear strategies to prevent a recurrence and all state agencies to desist from using threats, violence or politically motivated arrests to silence dissenting voices or opposition actors.
The CSO leaders have also called on all political parties to uphold the values of tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and issue-based campaign and the media to report responsibly and avoid sensationalism that could inflame tensions or compromise national peace.
“The Mec to conduct itself with transparency, impartiality, and professionalism, and to strengthens its engagement with all elections stakeholders,” reads the statement in part.
The CSO leaders have assured Malawians that they will remain vigilant and committed to follow-up on the proposed actions saying their collective resolve is to safeguard Malawi’s democracy and ensure a peaceful free, and fair electoral process.
