Malawi Freedom Network By MFN Reporter
The Consumers Association of Malawi (CAMA) has warned Government against restricting peaceful demonstrations, arguing that denying citizens their constitutional right to protest could increase public frustration and potentially lead to vandalism and other forms of unrest.
CAMA Executive Director John Kapito says authorities should respect citizens’ right to demonstrate and avoid treating requests for peaceful protests as political confrontations.
Kapito argues that demonstrations are a legitimate democratic tool through which citizens can express dissatisfaction, communicate their concerns to leaders and demand solutions to challenges affecting their daily lives.
He says Malawi is currently experiencing significant economic difficulties, including the rising cost of living, foreign exchange shortages and persistent fuel supply challenges, which continue to put pressure on households and businesses.
According to Kapito, citizens should be given an opportunity to peacefully express their frustrations rather than having their concerns dismissed or interpreted as political hostility.
He maintains that demonstrations should be recognised as an important channel of communication between the public and Government, particularly when people feel that their concerns are not receiving adequate attention.
Kapito’s warning comes amid growing debate over the regulation of civil society organisations following the recent deregistration of the Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) by the Non-Governmental Organisations Regulatory Authority (NGORA).
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The decision has attracted public attention, particularly because HRDC had been associated with plans for nationwide demonstrations. Some observers have questioned whether the deregistration could affect the coalition’s ability to organise the planned protests.
However, NGORA maintains that its decision was based on HRDC’s failure to meet statutory obligations, rather than its intended demonstrations.
The development has raised broader questions about the relationship between regulatory enforcement, freedom of association and citizens’ constitutional right to peaceful assembly.
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Malawi’s Constitution protects freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, providing citizens with the right to express their views and peacefully demonstrate within the framework of the law.
The debate also comes at a time when economic pressures have become a major public concern, with fuel availability, foreign exchange constraints and the cost of essential goods featuring prominently in discussions about the country’s economic direction.
Kapito’s position highlights the importance of allowing peaceful public participation in democratic governance while ensuring that demonstrations remain orderly and within the law.
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The warning presents a challenge for Government and law enforcement authorities: protecting public order should not come at the expense of fundamental democratic freedoms.
As discussions surrounding HRDC’s deregistration continue, attention is likely to remain on how authorities balance regulatory responsibilities, public security and the constitutional rights of citizens to peacefully express their grievances.
