Malawi: Soldiers deployed to Kasungu district amid civil unrest December 17

Event

Soldiers have deployed to Kasungu district amid civil unrest in the area as of Tuesday, December 17. The deployment reportedly comes after a suspected thief was released by police, which prompted mobs to burn vehicles, police facilities, and a roadblock at Nkhamenya trading center, and after a dog recently killed a girl at Mtambalala village; the attack by the dog, which is owned by a Burundian individual, incited retaliatory vandalism against Burundian-owned shops.

A heightened security presence is to be expected in the area over the coming days.  

Advice

Individuals in Kasungu district are advised to monitor developments, avoid areas affected by unrest, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.