The US Chargé d'Affaires in Malawi, Amy Diaz, said it was alarming that law enforcement stood by while citizens were assaulted by armed groups.

“It is the responsibility of security forces to protect the rights of all Malawians, including the right to protest peacefully,” Diaz stated.

The Malawi Human Rights Commission has since demanded accountability from the police, questioning their apparent reluctance to act while demonstrators came under attack.

Footage from the scene shows police officers present but failing to respond as violence escalated.  

--ChannelAfrica--