Malawi’s President Lazarus Chakwera has called for a thorough investigation into the ‘sickening violence’ that ensued during a peaceful match in Lilongwe on Thursday, condemning the incident as unconstitutional and a stark violation of citizens’ democratic rights.
His remarks come against the background of a fracas where peaceful ant – Mtalimanja protestors were hacked, macheted and had their vehicles torched by an unidentified panga – wielding thugs who violently stopped the demonstration in the process.
In a firm statement posted on his official Facebook page, Chakwera said that such acts of violence undermine the very foundations of democracy and must be unequivocally condemned to uphold peace and justice in the nation.
Chakwera further asked the asked the ministers of Homeland security and Security and defense, Ezekiel Ching’oma and Harry Mkandawire, respectively to investigate the matter and varnish him with a preliminary report upon his arrival.
He writes; “The right of Malawians to protest peacefully is not only enshrined in the Constitution, but also a birthright.
As such, both the violence and destruction of property that took place during these demonstrations are totally unacceptable and have no place in our democracy.
I have therefore directed all relevant state agencies to act swiftly and decisively to restore calm, as well as to investigate what happened and ensure that all those who violated the law are held accountability.
As President, I will be expecting a preliminary report on findings from both the Ministers of Homeland Security and Defense upon my return, which will form the basis of further actions we will take to ensure this does not happen again and that the 80 days between now and Election Day are peaceful and violence-free.”
During the attack human rights activist Sylvester Namiwa was manhandled by an unidentified assailants and suffered 19 deep cuts.
It occured at the start of demonstrations Namiwa was leading, calling for the resignation of Malawi electoral Commision chairperson Justice Annabel Mtalimanja and Chief elections Officer Andrew Mpesi.
Moments after the protestors had thronged the vicinity, an unregistered Toyota Fortuner drove directly towards a group of police officers standin between two Malawi Defence Force ( MDF) armoured vehicles.
The Panga- wielding seized Namiwa by his clothes and began rouging him up in full view of both Police and MDF personnel.
Recently, his Malawi Congress Party officials has been linked with violence attacks that on peaceful demonstrators.
Chakwera is in Nigeria for the 32nd African Export-Import Bank (AFREXIM Bank) annual meeting.
