Armed assailants, reportedly carrying panga knives, targeted human rights defenders while members of the Malawi Police Service and the Malawi Defence Force stood by without intervening.

The incident has triggered a wave of condemnation both locally and internationally. The United States Embassy in Malawi, through its Chargé d’Affaires Amy Diaz, expressed concern over the inaction of the country’s security forces, saying they failed in their constitutional duty to protect citizens.

The Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has since demanded an official explanation from the police, but as of this week, it had received no formal response. “We were expecting at least a public statement or some update,” said MHRC Chief Executive Officer, Habiba Osman. “Instead, we’ve seen continued silence, despite numerous appeals from civil society and election-focused organisations.”

Osman noted that this latest violent incident fits a worrying pattern. “We’ve seen similar disruptions in November last year and again in March this year, where peaceful demonstrations were violently blocked by armed groups. Not a single perpetrator has been held accountable,” she said.

In last week’s protest, one of the organisers was seriously injured as police officers and soldiers reportedly looked on. “The footage is out there,” Osman stressed. “It’s deeply troubling that while law enforcement was present, no action was taken to stop the attackers.”

The Commission has raised concerns about growing impunity, especially as the country approaches national elections in less than 80 days. “The fear is that such unchecked violence will escalate,” Osman warned.

Civil society organisations continue to call not only for a thorough investigation but also for the resignation of top security officials, including the Inspector General of Police. “The security apparatus must be held accountable,” said Osman. “Otherwise, public trust will continue to erode.”

--ChannelAfrica--