Malawi: Religious groups plan to protest in several cities July 13 over the legalization of same-sex marriage

Event

Religious groups in Malawi - including the Catholic Church’s Archdiocese of Lilongwe, the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian, the Evangelical Association of Malawi, the Muslim Association of Malawi, and the Malawi Council of Churches - will hold a nationwide day of protest on July 13 over the legalization of same-sex marriage.

Gatherings will occur at the following locations:

• Blantyre from 08:30: starting from the Clock Tower and ending by the civic centre

• Chikwawa from 09:00: starting at Thabwa ground and ending by Chikwakwa's district council

• Karonga from 08:00: starting from Karonga Freedom Park to Karonga's district council

• Lilongwe from 09:00: starting from Mtima Woyera Parish and ending by Parliament

• Mzuzu from 09:00: starting from Katoto ground and ending by Mzuzu's district council

• Zomba from 08:00: starting from the Zomba community ground and ending by Zomba's district council

The actions will probably last until approximately 12:00. Additional gatherings are possible at other urban centers nationwide.

Police will likely deploy to monitor the demonstrations. The protests and security measures, which could include road closures, may result in ground travel and business operation disruptions. Violence is unlikely, though skirmishes between police forces and protesters are possible should participants stray from the agreed route or ignore orders to disperse.

Advice

Avoid all protests as a precaution. Plan for potential road travel delays and reconfirm the status of routes before departure. Heed instructions from security forces. If violence erupt nearby, immediately depart the area and seek shelter in a secure nongovernment building.