By Suleman Chitera
Tensions are escalating in northern Malawi as gold miners and traders operating around Kamchocho gold mines in Mzimba have accused the Malawi Defence Force (MDF) of human rights violations during a controversial crackdown under “Operation Samala Mgodi.”
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The miners are now demanding an immediate and independent investigation into what they describe as “violent and destructive” actions by soldiers, which allegedly resulted in the loss of property worth millions of kwacha and left several people injured.
Allegations of Violence and Property Destruction
According to community leaders, the military operation—intended to regulate illegal mining activities—quickly turned chaotic, with soldiers allegedly destroying makeshift shelters, confiscating motorbikes, and assaulting miners and traders.
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Chairperson of the local mining community, Thomson Banda, claims he was personally affected during the operation.
“They damaged my vehicle, seized motorbikes belonging to traders, and assaulted innocent people. This was not enforcement—it was punishment,” Banda said during a visit to the affected site.
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Witnesses say the destruction has left many miners without shelter and disrupted livelihoods in an already fragile informal mining economy.
Civil Society Condemns Use of Force
The response from civil society has been swift and critical. Executive Director of the Mzimba Institute for Development Communications Trust, Christopher Melele, has condemned the operation, describing it as excessive and counterproductive.
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Melele argues that the government should focus on long-term solutions such as civic education and formalizing the artisanal mining sector rather than deploying military force.
“You cannot solve economic challenges with brutality. What these communities need is regulation, education, and support—not violence,” he said.
Human Rights Commission Steps In
The Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations and signaled its intention to intervene.
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Executive Secretary Habiba Osman stated that the commission will conduct a fact-finding mission to establish the truth and determine whether human rights violations occurred.
“We cannot act on claims alone, but given the gravity of the situation, a thorough investigation will be necessary to guide our recommendations,” Osman said.
Fear and Uncertainty Grip Mining Community
Despite calls for calm, fear continues to grip the Kamchocho mining community. Traders and miners have expressed concern over their safety, warning that repeated military operations could further destabilize the area.
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Many now worry about the unpredictability of future crackdowns by the joint task force on mining, saying their businesses and lives remain at risk.
“We are living in fear. If this happens again, we could lose everything,” one trader told Zodiak Broadcasting Station.
Growing Calls for Accountability
The incident has reignited debate over how Malawi handles informal mining activities, particularly the balance between law enforcement and human rights.
Stakeholders are now urging the government to ensure accountability, compensate victims where necessary, and adopt a more inclusive approach that integrates small-scale miners into the formal economy.
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As pressure mounts, all eyes are now on authorities to respond decisively to the allegations and restore trust in state institutions.
Keywords: Malawi Defence Force Kamchocho gold mines, Operation Samala Mgodi, Mzimba mining crackdown, Malawi human rights violations, illegal mining Malawi, MDF brutality allegations, mining sector reform Malawi
