Malawi: Human rights advocacy group plans protest in Lilongwe Sept. 28

Event

The civil society organization Human Rights Ambassadors (HRA) plans to protest Lilongwe, Sept. 28, to demand a referendum on the President and the Vice President's resignation. Participants will march through the streets starting 10:00. They plan on submitting a petition to the President on Capital Hill. The march will run along the following route:

• Wakawaka M1 road through Mchesi

• Maula roundabout

• Paul Kagame road

• Area 47 interchange

• Capital Hill

Protestors are to be dressed in black and white.

An increased security presence is likely in Lilongwe, Sept. 28, especially in the city center around the Parliament buildings and Capital Hill. Clashes between police forces and protesters are possible if participants ignore orders to disperse. The protest action and security personnel response, which could include road closures, will likely result in ground travel and business operation disruptions. Affected areas could extend beyond the protest route should protestors be dispersed.

Context

HRA had previously staged a protest July 20 demonstrating against “selective justice” by the country’s judiciary and against the rising cost of living. Despite the demonstration being suspended by the High Court, civil society organizations still marched through Lilongwe. The event turned violent, as police used tear gas to disperse the crowds. Over 70 individuals were reportedly arrested.

President Chakwera had campaigned in 2020 on a platform promising he would revive Malawi's economy within two years - a promise he is perceived to have fallen short of. Calls for the presidential ticket to resign have increased following a string of scandals including Vice President Chilima being stripped of powers following corruption allegations June 21, the perceived severe prison sentencing of a Malawian teenager for drug trafficking Sept. 1, and the Vice-President's wife receiving expensive state-sponsored medical treatment in South Africa Sept. 22.

Advice

Avoid all protests and the protest route. Avoid attire that could be associated with the protest, namely black and white colors. Plan for road travel delays. Reconfirm the status of road closures in Lilongwe before departure Sept. 28. Heed instructions from security forces. If any violence erupts nearby, immediately depart the area and seek shelter in a secure nongovernment building.