MISA Malawi joins individuals and organisations that value democracy and rule of law in strongly condemning and calling for action on the barbaric attacks on demonstrators, journalists and passers-by at and around Lilongwe Community Centre on Thursday, June 26, 2025.
On Thursday, a group of panga-wielding people assaulted demonstrators, journalists and other people and burned vehicles in full view of police officers and soldiers. It was not the first time panga-wielding people attacked demonstrators in the presence of state security agencies.
The State’s deliberate procrastination and impunity on panga-wielding groups attacking protesters is not only appalling but contravenes the Republican Constitution which guarantees right to assembly and emphasises the State’s obligation in protecting its citizens.
We therefore remind President Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera of our 2025 World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) Breakfast appeal for him and state agencies to authoritatively stop these senseless attacks on the right to assembly. We remind the President that the right to assemble is a form of expression and limiting people’s right to assemble is not only a violation of Section 38 of the Republican Constitution on “…the right to assemble and demonstrate with others peacefully and unarmed,” but also Section 35 on Freedom of Expression.
Due to the nature of their job, journalists are often caught up in the violence. Some journalists including Aubrey Kuyere, a cameraperson at Zodiak Broadcasting Station (ZBS), Faith Kaunde, a contributor at Nation Publications Limited and Mercy Matonga, a reporter at Times Group were assaulted and some were forced to delete pictures on Thursday.
MISA Malawi is hugely disappointed in the State, especially the Malawi Police Service (MPS), for its blatant failure to decisively stop these violent groups by simply enforcing the law. The brutal events of June 26, 2025, means the media and the public have lost confidence in the Inspector General of Police Madam Merlyne Yolamu’s commitment to protect the public.
Following the previous episodes of violence, State House released a statement condemning the attacks, but what is needed now is action including arrest of those responsible for the violence and dismissal of officials who have neglected their Constitutional duties to curb violence. Impunity has no place in democracy.
Media contacts
MISA Malawi Chairperson Golden Matonga
Cell: +265 99 616 9705 or email goldenmatonga@gmail.com
MISA Malawi National Director Aubrey Chikungwa
Cell: +265 999 327 311 or email info@misamalawi.org
