Nine foreign missions in Malawi have denounced violence against peaceful demonstrators, saying it threatens Malawi’s democratic values.
In a joint statement, the nine missions including European Union, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany and Japan said they are troubled by reports illustrating a trend of violence during peaceful and lawful demonstrations in Malawi’s cities.
Led by Sylvester Namiwa, the demonstrators, who had gathered at Lilongwe Community Ground on Thursday to express their displeasure with the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), were brutally attacked by machete-wielding individuals in full view of officers from the Malawi Police Service and the Malawi Defence Force, who failed to intervene.
Furthermore, vehicles belonging to the protesters were set ablaze, escalating the threat to life, property, and the democratic right to dissent.
“The right to freedom of assembly is enshrined in Malawi’s Constitution, protected under international human rights law and is the cornerstone of Malawi’s open and democratic society.
“As long-standing partners and friends of Malawi, we are troubled by reports that illustrate a trend of violence during peaceful and lawful demonstrations in Malawi’s cities.
“We call on the Government and authorities of Malawi to uphold the rule of law, protect the people of Malawi and conduct an investigation into any incidents of violence.
“Malawi’s security forces have a duty to uphold the right to freedom of assembly for all citizens. We urge all Malawians to respect the right to assemble and demonstrate responsibly and peacefully,” reads part of the statement
