Malawi: Lawyers call for demonstrations in multiple cities for June 17 /update 11

Event

Malawian lawyers have called for demonstrations in the cities of Blantyre, Lilongwe, Mzuzu, and Zomba on Wednesday, June 17, to demand greater judicial independence and the rule of law before the upcoming presidential elections on Tuesday, June 23. The protesters will gather in Zomba at the districts commissioner's office before marching to the High Court, in Mzuzu they will march from Shoprite to the High Court, in Lilongwe they will gather at Mbowe Filling Station before heading to the High Court, while in Blantyre the march will start at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital before heading to the Principal Registry building. The demonstrations are likely to be well-attended.

Heightened security measures and localized traffic disruptions are to be anticipated in the vicinity of any demonstration sites.

Advice

Individuals in Malawi are advised to monitor developments, avoid all protests, anticipate disruptions to transportation and business and a heightened security presence near demonstration sites, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments.