16 Dec 2020 | 09:05 AM UTC
Malawi: Civil society organization postpones protests until Dec. 18 /update 1
Civil society group postpones protests in multiple cities in Malawi from Dec. 16 to Dec. 18. Rallies likely in Blantyre, Lilongwe and Mzuzu.
Event
The Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) civil society organization has announced the postponement of the protests against illegal immigration until Dec. 18. The protests were initially scheduled to begin Dec. 16 in several cities but were delayed after the group failed to secure authorization for the demonstrations as officials had already granted permission for local fuel transporters to hold events Dec. 16. Specific details on the fuel transporters' events have not been publicized.
The largest CDEDI protests on Dec. 18 are likely to center on Lilongwe. Participants plan to march from the Lilongwe Community Ground and thereafter pass the Mchesi area and the Kamuzu Central Hospital roundabout, before proceeding to the Lilongwe Civic Office in the city center. Organizers previously announced that demonstrations will also be held in Mzuzu and Blantyre, though demonstrations could materialize in other cities and towns nationwide, and extend beyond Dec. 18. Specific details on the locations and times of demonstrations outside Lilongwe have not been announced. Likely protest locations include local government buildings and major thoroughfares.
Authorities will almost certainly deploy additional forces to monitor the demonstrations. Clashes are possible should opposing protest groups gather in close proximity or if police seek to disperse gatherings. Ground travel disruptions are possible near all demonstration sites, especially in Lilongwe
Context
The protesters are demanding that President Lazarus Chakwera curb illegal immigration. CDEDI maintains that immigrants from China, Nigeria, India, Lebanon, Pakistan, Rwanda, Burundi, and Somalia dominate the local economy at the expense of Malawian nationals.
Advice
Avoid all protests. Heed the directives of the security forces. Leave the area at the first sign of violence. Plan for ground travel disruptions near known protest locations and potential rally sites Dec. 18.
