The Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has condemned the ongoing political violence in the country ahead of the 2025 polls.
The condemnation follows a backlash between opposition political parties supporters who yesterday organized peaceful demonstration in Lilongwe and some youths armed with panga knives, resulting in disruption of businesses in Lilongwe.
According to reports, the armed youths were sent by the ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP) but the party distanced itself from the claims.
In a statement made available to this publication MHRC Chairperson Chikondi Chijozi described the fracas as uncalled for.
“These actions are undemocratic, uncalled for, and against the spirit of the right to peaceful assembly guaranteed under section 38 of the Constitution of the Republic of Malawi.
“The Commission wants to remind the Malawi Police Service that it has an obligation under section 153 of the Constitution of the Republic of Malawi to protect the public safety and the rights of individuals including the right to peaceful assembly,” said Chijozi.
MHRC has since urged those people attacked in the Wednesday fracas to come forward for help.
