21 Apr 2021 | 10:07 AM UTC
Malawi: Protests underway in urban centers April 21
Protests underway in Lilongwe, Blantyre, and Mulanje, Malawi, since 09:00 April 21. Large crowds, increased security likely.
Event
Members of the Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) have gathered for protests in Lilongwe, Blantyre, and Mulanje since 09:00 April 21. The action is to denounce increased taxes, phone tariffs, and the alleged theft of COVID-19 funds. The protest routes and locations are listed below:
Lilongwe: Participants gathered at Lilongwe Community Centre Ground and are marching through Mchesi via Kamuzu Central Hospital roundabout and Parliament to the Civic Office, where a petition will be handed over.
Blantyre: Participants gathered at Kamuzu Upper Stadium and are marching to the Civic Office via the highway passing through Ginnery Corner roundabout.
Mulanje: Participants gathered at Nkhonya and are marching to the Council Offices via Chitakale.
Police have almost certainly deployed additional personnel to manage the demonstrations. Although authorities have granted permission for the protests to go ahead and no violence has been reported thus far, clashes between protesters and security forces are possible, especially if protesters are unruly or block roads. Ground travel and business disruptions are likely near all protest sites.
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 in Lilongwe, Mulanje, and Blantyre April 21.
