President Lazarus Chakwera has drawn mixed reactions over his position on growing incidents of political violence with some commentators commending him for speaking out while others stating that he could have done better.
Representatives of Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), United Democratic Front (UDF), Alliance for Democracy, Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (Cdedi) , Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation and individual commentators said the President missed an opportunity to provide clear direction for addressing political violence.
On the other hand, some activists have welcomed the President’s statement, saying he has taken a strong stance which will push the police to act against political violence.
Speaking in an interview, DPP secretary general Peter Mukhito said the party expected the President to clearly state that people have a right to conduct peaceful demonstrations without being disrupted.
“The police come directly under the responsibility of the President. What one would want to see is a government which is also protecting the rights of the people,” said the former police Inspector General.
On his part, UDF publicity secretary Dyson Jangia said Chakwera’s condemnation has come rather too late and the party will only believe that it is genuine when police take action.
CHRR executive director Michael Kaiyatsa in a statement said the President’s call for police investigations falls short of the necessary leadership to hold perpetrators accountable.
Cdedi executive director Sylvester Namiwa said in an interview that the President’s statement was only aimed at hoodwinking Malawians into believing that he is taking action.
But human rights activist Undule Mwakasungula said the condemnation by the President carries strong weight and emphasises that violence has no place in a democracy.
Human Rights Consultative Committee chairperson Robert Mkwezalamba also backed the President, saying he was being faulted for being silent and it is important that he has spoken out.
Former presidents Peter Mutharika, Joyce Banda and Bakili Muluzi condemned acts of violence in a joint statement on November 15 2024.Since February this year, there have been several incidents of violence targeting opposition and ruling party politicians and supporters.
