MCP Panga-Wielding Thugs Disrupt Peaceful Demonstrations in Lilongwe

Suspected Malawi Congress Party (MCP) thugs wielding pangas disrupted peaceful demonstrations organized by opposition parties in Lilongwe on Wednesday morning. The armed individuals, reportedly enforcing a “no-go” zone for activists, interrupted the rally and vigil planned by opposition groups.

Lilongwe District Commissioner, Dr. Lawford Palani, had requested opposition parties to reschedule their events, citing limited police resources due to other essential engagements. Despite this, a significant police presence was stationed near the demonstration site early Wednesday, setting the stage to prevent the event. Shortly after, MCP-aligned individuals arrived with pangas, further escalating tensions.

The police, who were previously said to be engaged with other important activities, deployed teargas to disperse demonstrators gathered at the Lilongwe Community Centre ground. However, MCP members allegedly continued to threaten the protestors openly, an act condemned by Rodgers Kamphangala, a prominent MCP member from Mvera, Dowa District.

Kamphangala criticized the Malawi Police Service (MPS) for allegedly failing to address the threat posed by armed MCP affiliates, stating that their actions undermine democratic principles. He suggested that opposition groups reconsider holding demonstrations in Lilongwe, instead focusing on districts where peaceful protests may be conducted freely.

Kamphangala expressed concern that the current MCP leadership under President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera might be disregarding democratic values, which could foster political unrest. He urged the Malawi Defense Force (MDF) to uphold the rights of citizens, as they did during the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) regime, cautioning that the behaviors exhibited by MCP leadership could lead to violence.

“Let us promote peace and become peacemakers. The actions we are witnessing from the MCP represent a clear violation of human rights and our hard-won democracy,” Kamphangala stated.