* Malawi is a constitutional democracy, not a police state. The exercise of fundamental freedoms cannot be subjected to the unfettered discretion of any public authority
* The role of the Malawi Police Service is to uphold the Constitution by protecting both public order and the constitutional rights of citizens
By Duncan Mlanjira
The Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) has responded to the statement issued by the Malawi Police Service cautioning against the planned “peaceful demonstrations and Karonga–Chiweta M1 Road shutdown scheduled for Wednesday July 1, 2026 — emphasising that “Malawi is a constitutional democracy, not a police state”.
In its statement published on Friday on its social media platform, the Malawi Police declared that the Karonga–Chiweta section of the M1 Road will remain open and accessible, warning that anyone attempting to block the road during a planned protest will face legal action.
Issued by national Police spokesperson, Lael Chimtembo, the statement said any individual or group found blocking the road or engaging in acts that disrupt public order on or after July 1 will be dealt with in accordance with the law.
“The Malawi Police Service remains committed to safeguarding public safety, protecting citizens’ rights and maintaining peace and order across the country,” said Chimtembo.
Traditional chiefs, led by Paramount Chief Kyungu, also warned that in as much as rehabilitation of the road is very vital, they do not want a confrontational approach, saying they do not want to experience what happened in 2019, during similar demonstrations.
The HRDC that it plans to hold the demonstrations to pressure government to expedite rehabilitation works on the deteriorating stretch.
In its response, the HRDC maintained that the planned demonstrations “are a peaceful exercise of the constitutional rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly”.
“These rights are guaranteed under the Constitution of the Republic of Malawi and are fundamental to our democratic order,” said the statement signed by chairperson Michael Kaiyatsa and national coordinator Kelvin Chirwa.
“We have complied with the law by duly notifying the Rumphi District Council and the Malawi Police Service of our intention to hold peaceful demonstrations. The law requires organisers to notify authorities, not to seek permission or authorisation.
“The notification process exists to enable the Police to make appropriate security arrangements and facilitate the peaceful exercise of constitutional rights.
“Malawi is a constitutional democracy, not a police state. The exercise of fundamental freedoms cannot be subjected to the unfettered discretion of any public authority.”
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The HRDC insists that the role of the Police Service “is to uphold the Constitution by protecting both public order and the constitutional rights of citizens”.
“While we appreciate the responsibility of the Police to maintain peace and security, we respectfully remind them that their constitutional mandate extends equally to facilitating peaceful assemblies.
“Their role is not to prohibit lawful demonstrations simply because they may inconvenience those in authority, but to ensure that such demonstrations are conducted peacefully and safely.”
HRDC then offered that it “remains open to genuine engagement with the relevant authorities if such engagement is aimed at addressing the substantive concerns that have given rise to the planned demonstrations”.
“However, dialogue should not become a substitute for concrete action on an issue that has affected the people of Karonga, Rumphi, Chitipa, Mzimba and all users of the M1 Road for many years.
Broken down trucks are order of the day
“The deplorable state of the Karonga-Chiweta road has claimed lives, disrupted businesses, undermined regional trade, and imposed significant hardship on citizens.
“It is precisely because previous assurances have not translated into timely action that citizens have chosen to exercise their constitutional right to peaceful protest.
“We, therefore, urge the Malawi Police Service to act professionally, impartially, and strictly within the confines of the Constitution.
“We remain open to constructive engagement with all relevant authorities, but such engagement must not be used to undermine or frustrate the legitimate exercise of constitutional rights.
“HRDC remains committed to peaceful, lawful, and non-violent action, and we expect the same commitment to constitutionalism from all State institutions, including the Malawi Police Service.
The HRDC Board of Directors includes Madalitso Banda (Eastern Region); Harold Kachepatsonga (Central Region); Gibson Chisale (Northern Region) and Loveness Thole (Women HRDs).
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