Lilongwe No-Go Zone for Opposition: Chakwera Faces Backlash

Lilongwe, the capital city of Malawi, has been declared a no-go zone by MCP loyalists for opposition parties and activists attempting to hold peaceful demonstrations.

However, recent developments suggest that not everyone in the district is willing to blindly support the ruling party.

On Sunday, President Lazarus Chakwera conducted whistle-stop tours in several constituencies within Lilongwe, urging residents to register massively for the upcoming 2025 elections scheduled for September 16.

This followed his visit to Malembo Primary School in Kasiya, where he personally registered. Unfortunately for the president, his efforts were met with unexpected hostility, as he was booed by some of his own supporters.

The whistle-stop rallies drew sparse crowds, raising questions about the current strength of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP).

At venues like Nsungwi Trading Centre and Lilongwe Teachers’ College, Chakwera’s appearances were perceived by some as little more than local party meetings, rather than events led by a national leader.

Rodgers Kamphangala, an outspoken MCP loyalist from Mvera in Dowa District, has publicly advised President Chakwera to brace himself for further criticism and disapproval. Kamphangala suggested that the president dissolve his Cabinet and appoint an interim government to oversee the 2025 elections.

According to him, such a move would protect Chakwera’s reputation and allow him to maintain his position as president while avoiding escalating tensions.

Kamphangala noted a growing unease among MCP supporters, particularly women, who are reportedly reluctant to wear party regalia in public—a stark contrast to the enthusiasm seen in 2020. He described this as a troubling sign for the party’s standing in its stronghold regions.

“If MCP women in the central region fear wearing party regalia, what message does this send to the world?” Kamphangala asked pointedly.

In his closing remarks, Kamphangala left the decision to President Chakwera: either establish a Government of National Unity (GNU) to restore public trust or prepare for a heavy-handed crackdown on dissenters, which could further damage the MCP’s reputation.