Malawi: Activists plan anti-government protest in Ntcheu Jan. 23

Event

Activists have scheduled a protest in Ntcheu, Central Region on Jan. 23. Protesters will gather at the Chingeni Toll Plaza on the M1 motorway at an undisclosed time to demand that the government fulfill its promise of reducing toll gate fees. Protests are likely to begin in the early morning before the commuter rush and may last through the afternoon. Participants intend to disrupt transport and toll collecting, which may cause significant overland transport disruptions.

Security forces will likely deploy to monitor the protest. Authorities may maintain a heightened security presence elsewhere Jan. 23 to monitor for additional antigovernment protests and associated disruptions. Transport disruptions are highly likely in the vicinity of the protest. Clashes between protesters and security forces are possible.

Advice

Avoid all protest as a standard precaution. Plan for ground travel delays in the vicinity of any protest that may occur. Heed instructions of local officials.