Malawi Congress Party (MCP) spokesperson Jessie Kabwila has challenged opposition parties to provide evidence that MCP sent machete-wielding men to threaten those planning to protest in Lilongwe.

Kabwila’s remarks were in response to the spokesperson for the opposition parties organizing the demonstrations, Shadric Namalomba, who suggested that MCP was responsible for sending the men. Kabwila has denied the allegations.

Earlier this morning, masked men armed with machetes arrived at Lilongwe Community Ground, where demonstrators had gathered, and chased everyone away.

The situation escalated into violence, resulting in the closure of several businesses in the city.