In our editorial;
MIJ FM is reflecting on the disturbing scenes witnessed during Thursday’s demonstrations in Lilongwe, where peaceful protesters were attacked in full view of passive police officers.
We question the role of security agencies, highlight the constitutional right to demonstrate, and call for accountability not just for now, but for the future of Malawi’s democracy.
The comment has been written by Georgia Mbaghugho Chirombo.
The recent hours have been painful … terrifying and unforgettable.
Citizens took to the streets peacefully, seeking answers, not guns, not fire, just truth.
But in Lilongwe, what met them was not protection, it was violence, it was terror, it was silence, from the very people paid to protect them.
Hooligans with panga knives roamed free. Protesters were hacked, and organizers were beaten and the police just stood there, watching.
Let that sink in. Watching!!
Not one baton raised to defend the people and not one hand lifted to stop the violence and acts on terror on organizers of the demos.
Such is the terror that has vehicles torched, and the spirit of democracy wounded and public address equipment stolen.
One needs to address the nation if this is the price the nation now has to pay for entrust government to govern its people.
The larger picture of Thursday’s events raises questions on the credibility of Merlyn Yolamu – Inspector General of Police who weeks ago publicly promised to improve the police’s performance and to rebuild public trust.
Madam Yolamu and homeland minister Ezekiel Ching’oma owe the Malawi nation an explanation on Thursday’s events which have now put Malawi’s reputation into disrepute.
No wonder even bilatel partners … diplomatic missions … and governance communities have weighed-in on acts of political terrorism and police non-action.
Malawi as a democracy is not ready to welcome political terrorists … this is clear failure of our democracy and betrayal of the Republican Constitution.
That document, our highest law, gives every citizen the right to protest, to speak, to rise. But that right was trampled. Trampled by silence, fear and inaction.
Now, voices are rising.
The European Union is considering action against Malawi Police Service … the USA is demanding respect of the constitution and many governance institutions are resignation of Yolamu and Ching’oma for hurting the nation.
All this is because government cannot guarantee the safety of its own people during peaceful demonstrations, we must all pause and ask: what does this mean for the September general elections?
Malawi cannot become a nation where pangas speak louder than the people, where silence is deadlier than bullets, where police officers wear uniforms but not courage.
Is this the kind of environment in which democracy can grow? Or are we watching it die in slow motion?
This is not about politics. It is about principle. Malawi is a country of laws, not machetes. We must not let fear replace freedom.
And to those in authority … this is your moment to act, to show leadership, protect the people and honor the Constitution.
Particularly today Malawi cannot afford a state of chaos … Malawians chose democracy not chaocracy.
No thanks!
0 Comments