Malawi: Ongoing student protest causes university closure in Zomba, Nov. 2

Event

An ongoing student protest has prompted the temporary closure of the University of Malawi (UNIMA) in Zomba, Southern Region, Nov. 2. Students are staging a vigil, despite being instructed by UNIMA's administration to leave by 12:00 Nov. 2. Protest began on Oct. 28 over the proposed new academic calendar. Reports suggest students blockaded roads leading to campus.

Clashes between police forces and protesters are possible should students ignore orders to disperse. The protest action and security personnel response will likely result in ground travel and business operation disruptions. Affected areas could extend outside university grounds. Further protests are possible.

Context

This is the latest such event in Zomba. Previously, UNIMA students had protested in September following the publication of the same academic calendar. Students reportedly marched and delivered a petition to the District Commissioner's office. Police reportedly made use of tear gas to disperse students on campus.

Advice

Avoid the UNIMA campus and the surrounding areas. Plan for travel delays. Heed the instructions of the authorities.