Malawi: Protest underway in Thyolo June 17; additional protest planned in Mulanje June 18 /update 1

Event

Members of the Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) launched a protest in Thyolo at 10:00 June 17. The CDEDI also plans to protest in Mulanje at from 10:00 June 18. The towns are located south and southeast of Blantyre, respectively. Demonstrators are protesting against land ownership grievances. In Thyolo, protesters are marching from the Khonjeni turnoff to the council offices, while in Mulanje, they will march from Nkhonya via Chitakale to the council offices. Hundreds of people are likely to attend.

Officials are likely to deploy security personnel to monitor the gatherings. Clashes between protesters and the police may occur if demonstrators are unruly or ignore police orders to disperse. Localized disruptions are possible in the vicinity of either protest, including along portions of the M2 road route.

Advice

Avoid the protests as a standard precaution. Exercise caution near the gathering points and march routes and plan for ground travel delays.