By Suleman Chitera, Lilongwe, Malawi – June 26, 2025
The quasi-religious governance watchdog, Public Affairs Committee (PAC), has strongly condemned both the Malawi Police Service (MPS) and the Malawi Defence Force (MDF) for their failure to act when panga-wielding thugs violently attacked demonstrators in Lilongwe earlier today.
In a hard-hitting statement jointly signed by PAC Chairperson Monsignor Patrick Thawale and Spokesperson Bishop Gilford Matonga, the organization described the assault as “barbaric” and “a threat to the democratic ideals Malawi has long fought to uphold.”
“The sight of thugs manhandling unarmed citizens while the police and military stood idle is both shameful and deeply concerning,” reads the statement. “It betrays the principles of justice, human dignity, and democratic accountability.”
PAC further expressed alarm at the conduct of the Malawi Defence Force, which it says “silently witnessed the acts,” characterizing the military’s passivity as a deepening act of negligence.
The body reminded Malawians that during the 6th All-Inclusive Stakeholders Conference, the police had assured delegates of their commitment to upholding law and order and protecting all citizens—an assurance that now appears hollow in light of the recent events.
“That the Police Service made such promises only to act in contradiction is a grave matter of national concern,” the statement added.
PAC emphasized that political affiliation should not determine whether or not citizens are protected under the law. “Even if demonstrations are organized by opposition groups, that does not give license to those in power—or those who support them—to silence such efforts through violence and intimidation.”
The committee has since called for an urgent investigation into the attack and demanded that the leadership of both the police and military explain their officers’ conduct. PAC also appealed to President Lazarus Chakwera to personally intervene and reaffirm the country’s commitment to protecting civic freedoms.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage across social and political circles, with many now questioning the neutrality and reliability of the country’s security apparatus.
