The United Kingdom (UK) has called for dialogue over governance challenges facing the nation, including a wave of political violence that has manifested during the recent past.
British High Commissioner Fiona Ritchie, whose call comes follows similar sentiments from the United States Embassy last week, said in a written response that they welcome the position taken by President Lazarus Chakwera and the country’s former heads of State in condemning recent incidents of political violence.
She observed that the right to freedom of assembly is enshrined in Malawi’s Constitution and protected under international human rights law.
Ritchie, however, stressed that Malawian authorities have a duty to uphold that right for all citizens.
Said the UK envoy: “We urge all Malawians to exercise this right responsibly and peacefully, rejecting violence in all its forms.
“As a long-standing partner of Malawi, the UK encourages dialogue as the foundation for addressing differences and building a stable and democratic society.”
Last week, the US Embassy in Lilongwe also condemned the spate of lawlessness and political violence in the country and backed calls for accountability to bring to book perpetrators.
US Embassy chargé d’affaires Amy Diaz said in a written response that those who engage in violence or otherwise interfere with peaceful demonstrations should be held accountable.
She said as Malawi prepares for the September 16 2025 General Election, authorities have a duty to ensure that candidates, political parties, the media and citizens are able to exercise their constitutional rights freely and securely.
In his national address last Thursday, President Chakwera condemned political violence, which he noted had already led to the murder of a political party member in Blantyre and demonstrators being intimidated in Lilongwe.
“These things will take our country nowhere, and I am calling on the Malawi Police Service to do its job of investigating every incident of political violence and bringing suspects to book.
“Malawians are peace-loving people and those who use their freedom of political participation or right to demonstrate for violent ends must not be allowed to ruin our reputation as a beacon of democracy in Africa,” he said.
In separate statements, Malawi Human Rights Commission, Youth and Society, National Advocacy Platform, CCAP Blantyre Synod Church and Society Programme and individual analysts last week called on the police to investigate the events where police officers turned into spectators as masked and armed hoodlums took control and dispersed opposition protesters.
The protesters were pushing the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) and National Registration Bureau (NRB) to address electoral concerns and ensure provision of security during protests regardless of political affiliation.
