Anti-govt demos fail to take place

Demonstrations aimed at forcing President Lazarus Chakwera and Vice-President Saulos Chilima to resign for allegedly failing to deliver failed to take place yesterday despite the court giving the organisers the nod.

The protesters were expected to march from Wakawaka at Kaphiri along the M1 to Capital Hill in Lilongwe in to deliver a petition.

However, from early morning to around 1 pm, there was no sign of people gathering to demonstrate. The organisers were also nowhere to be seen.

Malawi Defence Force and police officers were, however, seen on the ground. Later in the afternoon, the security personnel were seen leaving the scene.

In an interview yesterday, one of the organisers, Levi Luwemba, said they called off the demonstrations for security reasons.

He claimed that a vehicle carrying their public address system was attacked by some people.

“We analysed the situation and decided that we should not go-ahead. We did not want any violence. So, we had to call off the demonstrations to protect people’s lives and property,” said Luwemba.

National Police spokesperson Peter Kalaya said the cancellation of the demonstration was a relief as police were constrained.

“Police officers are involved in many activities that need security. One of them is providing security in filling stations,” he said.

The High Court of Malawi on Tuesday cleared human rights activist Redson Munlo to hold the demonstrations aimed at pushing Chakwera and Chilima to resign or hold a referendum to decide on the country’s leadership.

But the court barred Human Rights Ambassadors and human rights activist Kingsley Mpaso from taking part in the demonstration as there is a court injunction restraining them.

The organisers of the protests feel the country’s leadership has failed Malawians and there is need to change leadership.