On Wednesday, an appalling incident unfolded at the Lilongwe Community Ground when peaceful protesters gathering to exercise their democratic right to demonstrate were chased away by masked, panga-wielding men. These clearly organised attackers intimidated citizens and scared the crowd, undermining the very essence of what Malawi should stand for. This is not just an affront to those who stood in protest; it is an assault on the principles of democracy that every Malawian holds dear. Malawi belongs to all of us and no one should dictate where a fellow citizen can or cannot go.
In a democracy, a plurality of views, political leanings and ideas is not only expected, but encouraged. A functioning democracy thrives on differences of opinion, the ability to challenge authority, the right to gather and express discontent. Political hooliganism that terrorises citizens for their beliefs or mere presence at a peaceful gathering is unacceptable and it threatens to take us down a dangerous path. We cannot and must not allow a handful of overzealous individuals to use violence as a tool for silencing those with whom they disagree.
The most alarming part of this incident was the behaviour—or rather, the inaction—of the police. As law enforcers, the Malawi Police Service is mandated to protect and serve the people. But as this situation unfolded, the police simply stood by, indifferent to the harassment and fear being inflicted upon the protesters. This lack of intervention is a betrayal of their duty and, more gravely, raises the question; who exactly does our police force serve?
In a nation where the police are observed standing idle as innocent Malawians are terrorised, we must reflect on what kind of society we are fostering. The police leadership’s silence in the face of this brazen attack speaks volumes. In fact, it signals to Malawians that the likelihood of any consequences for these officers is slim, if not entirely non-existent. The police must answer for this, because today’s disregard for the rule of law is a harbinger of what may follow in the coming 2025 election season—we all must be worried
This is a call to action for the Malawi Police Service to reclaim its role as a service to people, not being used an instrument of intimidation. Political violence and hooliganism must not be tolerated in any form, and those responsible for this recent incident should be held accountable—not just the perpetrators, but also those in positions of power who allowed it to happen unchecked. Malawians have worked hard to redefine the image of our police from a notorious force into a service that upholds our rights and freedoms. Let’s not allow a return to the dark days.
It is time for the police to rise above political influence and serve the interests of the nation. The Malawi Police Service must commit itself to the people, as its name suggests, rather than becoming a pawn in the hands of those who would use fear to suppress democratic expression. We demand that our law enforcers remember their true purpose—to uphold justice, protect the innocent and ensure Malawi remains a place where freedom and tolerance prevail
