The Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) has described as unacceptable the violence against Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) followers at Mponela on Sunday evening.
In a statement signed by its national chairperson Gift Transparence, the coalition says the violence is a direct threat to Malawi’s fragile democracy, peace and national unity.
The attack on a DPP convoy occurred as the party members were returning from a political rally in Ntchisi. A minibus transporting the followers was reportedly set ablaze.
“Let it be known, without hesitation or ambiguity: there is no justification, no provocation, and no political context that can validate the use of violence against fellow citizens.
“Ours is a country founded on the rule of law, pluralism, and tolerance. These attacks, targeted, destructive, and dangerous, are an attack on the very heart of our republic,” reads the statement.
HRDC says if the perpetrators are left unchecked they will become emboldened.
The coalition has since reminded Malawians, especially political actors who seek to govern the country that democracy is not war and not a contest of who can shout the loudest or burn the most.
“It is a sacred process rooted in competing ideas, public service, and peaceful engagement. If you differ politically, democracy demands that you engage with civility, challenge ideas, and, if necessary, agree to disagree,” says Trapence in the statement.
The coalition has since called on all political parties, including the leadership of the DPP, Malawi Congress Party (MCP), UTM, and others, to immediately address their supporters and publicly declare that they do not and will not tolerate acts of violence in their name.
It has also called on the police to investigate the attack as a matter of national urgency and arrest and prosecute the perpetrators.
