…Malawi Law Society condemns MCP terror
The beating of activist Slyvester Namiwa in full view of Malawi Defence Force and Malawi Police Services should prompt President Lazarus Chakwera to immediately dismiss Minister of Homeland Security, Ezekiel Ching’oma. According to the Malawi Law Society, the minister has failed in his constitutional duty to ensure that the conduct of the Malawi Police Service aligns with democratic norms.
The Society also demanded the removal of Inspector General of Police, Marilyn Yolamu, citing incompetence and “compromised impartiality” considering her failure to prevent or respond appropriately to political violence unleashed by Malawi Congress Party youth. These concerns, the Society argues, fall squarely within the grounds for dismissal under the Constitution and the Police Act.
“The human rights and freedoms contained in Chapter Four of the Constitution must be respected and upheld,” the Society stressed, adding that political and legal authority derives solely from the people and must be exercised for their benefit.
In a strongly worded statement, the society condemned escalating acts of violence during public demonstrations and what it describes as the “apparent inaction and cosmetic responses” by the State and its security agencies.
The statement, released on Thursday night, follows violent scenes reported during nationwide demonstrations organised by the Citizens for Credible Elections. Protesters were allegedly attacked by machete-wielding groups, resulting in several participants being injured or maimed. Photographs, videos, and media reports indicate that these attacks occurred in the presence of members of the Malawi Police Service and the Malawi Defence Force, who, according to the MLS, failed to intervene.
“The Society calls upon the Malawi Police Service to immediately trace and bring to justice those responsible for assaulting and harassing peaceful protesters,” the statement reads.
The Law Society noted that this is not an isolated occurrence. It cited a pattern of violence against Malawians exercising their constitutional rights to freedom of assembly and expression, often unfolding in plain sight of State security forces.
“The Society considers this inaction… accompanied by cosmetic action, to be a calculated suppression of the right to freedom of assembly,” the statement continues, referencing multiple constitutional provisions allegedly violated in recent incidents, including rights to personal security, freedom of expression, association, and political participation.
Citing Section 15 of the Constitution, the Society reminded all branches of government and their agencies of their obligation to uphold and respect human rights and fundamental freedoms.
The Law Society’s statement concludes with a stern reminder to the country’s leadership: governance must be lawful, rights-respecting, and people-centered.
Editors view:
President Chakwera will do nothing, he is a beneficiary of chaos, a sad legacy for a man who once was said to be clean and departure from dark days of Malawi Congress Party. A decade later, MCP days of darkness have returned, arbitrary arrests, beating opponents and stifling of free speech. President Chakwera has damaged Malawi Congress Party legacy than any other leader, even Gwanda Chakuamba and John Tembo did much better in terms of violence during their reigns as MCP president. Chakwera has arrested critics, sued them and beaten them. He has appointed thugs to preside Police officers. His legacy is that of a desperate, clueless leader who resorts to violence to keep power. He cant act against MCP thugs, he benefits from them.
