By Allan Ngumuya
- What triggered the violence against civil servants on Wednesday, March 19, 2025?
- Who were the perpetrators of this violence, and what were their political affiliations?
- What role did the ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP) play in the events of that day?
- How has political violence against civil servants evolved since Malawi’s independence in 1964?
- What does history tell us about political violence and assassinations linked to ruling parties in Malawi?
- Is there a pattern of state-sponsored violence against opposition figures and dissenters?
- Why has violence remained a political tool in Malawi despite democratic reforms?
- What lessons can be learned from past governments that have used violent tactics?
- How can Malawians break the cycle of political violence and impunity?
- What alternatives do Malawians have in choosing a peaceful and progressive leadership? The curse of political violence in Malawi: A never-ending cycle
The events of March 19, 2025, serve as yet another painful reminder of Malawi’s long and dark history of political violence, particularly against civil servants and perceived opponents of the ruling elite.
Reports emerging from different parts of the country indicate that state-sponsored thugs, allegedly aligned with the ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP), unleashed a wave of terror on civil servants who were merely carrying out their duties.
This is not the first time that Malawi has witnessed such brutality, but the frequency and intensity of these attacks raise serious concerns about the country’s political trajectory.
Historically, political violence in Malawi can be traced back to the early days of independence in 1964.
Under Dr. Hastings Kamuzu Banda and the MCP, Malawi became a one-party dictatorship where dissent was ruthlessly crushed.
The assassination of Dunduzu Chisiza after the Cabinet Crisis of 1964 was among the first in a series of politically motivated killings.
Others followed, including the mysterious deaths of Aaron Gadama, Dick Matenje, Twaibu Sangala, and David Chiwanga.
Many were silenced, some were reportedly fed to crocodiles, and others vanished without a trace.
For 26 years, MCP ruled Malawi with an iron fist.
When democracy was introduced in 1994, Malawians hoped for change, but instead, they found themselves under a new wave of terror.
The United Democratic Front (UDF), which replaced MCP, had its own version of political thuggery through its notorious youth wing.
The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) later introduced “cadets” who harassed political opponents.
Even the author of this piece, Allan Ngumuya, suffered at the hands of these violent operatives.
The reality in Malawi is that every ruling party has used violence to intimidate and silence opposition.
The return of MCP to power was expected to be different, yet today, we witness the same old tactics of terror and intimidation.
Civil servants, journalists, and activists are being attacked simply for doing their jobs.
The seed of violence being planted today will only last for a short while before it backfires on those who are orchestrating it.
History has shown that no government that rules through violence and intimidation survives forever.
As Malawians prepare for the next elections, a crucial question remains: Why should we continue voting for parties that have a proven record of cruelty, corruption, and bloodshed?
MCP and DPP have both demonstrated that they are two sides of the same coin—cruel, nepotistic, and oppressive.
The best solution is to reject both and opt for fresh leadership.
Dr. Dalitso Kabambe and UTM represent an opportunity for change, a break from the cycle of violence that has plagued this country for decades.
Malawi deserves a leader who values peace, development, and justice.
It is time for Malawians to make a bold decision—to reject parties that thrive on violence and corruption and choose a new path.
The future of Malawi is in our hands.
Let us vote wisely and bring an end to the reign of political thuggery.
God bless Malawi.
