Police Urged to Rise Above Politics, Arrest Lilongwe Violence Perpetrators
Meanwhile, a state body charged with promoting unity and resolving conflicts has also strongly condemned recent political violence in the capital Lilongwe.
BLANTYRE/LILONGWE, Malawi— The Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP), Blantyre Synod has urged Malawi police to “rise above party politics” and swiftly arrest those responsible for recent political violence in Lilongwe, writes Winston Mwale.
CCAP Blantyre Synod issued the appeal in a statement condemning last yesterday’s clashes during a Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) parade.
Unidentified people assaulted members of a DPP parade at a gas station in Lilongwe.
Some 25 people were injured and seven vehicles damaged, according to reports.
“It is sad to hear several people have been wounded... by thugs who came to disrupt peaceful demonstrations,” the CCAP social welfare department said.
Executive Director Rev. Master Jumbe challenged law enforcers to “for once gain people’s trust” by responding firmly to the unrest.
“Let the police swiftly arrest all those involved in perpetrating violence,” he said.
The CCAP Blantyre Synod emphasized the constitutional right to peaceful assembly and warned that impunity for political violance threatens Malawi’s democracy.
Meanwhile, a state body charged with promoting unity and resolving conflicts has also strongly condemned recent political violence in the capital Lilongwe.
The Malawi Peace and Unity Commission said the attacks on opposition the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) supporters last Saturday were “retrogressive and must never be tolerated.”
Commission chair Impi Bishop Mary Nkosi urged law agencies to thoroughly investigate the disorder and hold perpetrators criminally accountable.
Her agency advised political parties to use dialogue rather than violence to settle differences in the “current democratic dispensation.”
The commission warned Malawian youth in particular not to allow themselves to be used by politicians “for the benefit of a few selfish individuals.”
All citizens should condemn the unrest since it infringes on democratic rights when “conflicts perpetrated by a few unpatriotic citizens” are allowed to stand, the statement read.
Nkosi said the commission is ready to work with stakeholders to “prevent any looming conflicts” and find solutions through peaceful means.
In press statement on 24 February, the Malawi Police Service (MPS) condemned the violence and assured citizens of its commitment to maintaining law and order.
“Investigations are underway to identify the perpetrators,” said Senior Superintendent Peter Kalaya, in the statement.
He reiterated the MPS’s stance against any acts of political violence ahead of the 2025 General Elections.
“The MPS is dedicated to upholding every citizen’s political rights while ensuring public safety,” said National Police Spokesperson, Senior Superintendent Kalaya.
There have been growing calls from civic groups and religious organizations for authorities to firmly address the Lilongwe violence.