* As AACC, we would like to ask Malawians to pray to the Almighty God for a better Malawi come September
* The State should have by now issued a public address to update the nation of the action being done to address yesterday’s violence going forward
By Duncan Mlanjira
In reaction to yesterday’s brutal political violence perpetrated on “innocent demonstrators” in Lilongwe in full view of the Malawi Police officers and members of the Malawi Defence Force (MDF), the All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC) is calling on Malawians to pray more as the country “is turning into undemocratic and unsafe for its citizens” ahead of the September 16 elections.
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This is maintained by AACC’s Economic Justice, Transparency & Accountability champion in Malawi, Rev. Baxton Maulidi while condemning “the unfortunate incidents that have happened in Lilongwe”.
“As AACC, we would like to ask Malawians to pray to the Almighty God for a better Malawi come September,” he said, adding that the State should have by now issued a public address to update the nation of the action being done to address yesterday’s violence going forward.
“Politicians are there to fight for taxpayers’ money. Malawians vote for them, to be accountable to Malawians but the politicians become selfish once voted — with the benefits only enjoyed by themselves, their families and close friends.
Rev. Baxton Maulidi
“Malawians will still remain victims in all these incidents, even with a new government, unless ambuye alowelerepo kwa omwe adzasankhidwe mu September (unless God intervenes in our situation”). Let God heal our land — this is very unfortunate.”
Rev. Maulidi further takes note of images that are awash on social media, which captures the law enforcement officers just watching protesters being manhandled by panga wielding faces have been identified by the public.
“I hope we will be updated on the perpetrators caught on camera that they have been apprehended to face justice since the police have been assisted after members of the public identified the perpetrators.
“What happened yesterday is of great concern ahead of the elections. This is a recipe for disaster, which should be curtailed by the state with the seriousness it deserves. Malawians deserve better than having law enforcement services that do not service their security needs,” Maulidi said.
Meanwhile, as part of its prophetic responsibility, the Church of Central African Presbyterian (CCAP)-Blantyre Synod — whose deputy general secretary is Rev. Maulidi — announced to its congregants that Synod has designated July 10, 2025, as Special Day of Prayer ahead of the general elections.
A statement from Rev. Maulidi issued over a week ago, said September 16 is “a significant time when we, the citizens will exercise our constitutional right to elect leaders at various levels of Councillors in Wards; Members of Parliament in Constituencies, and the President as Head of State”.
“In light of this important national event, the CCAP-Blantyre Synod is calling upon all its members to set aside special time for prayer for our nation during this period.”
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He added that the primary purpose of these prayers — to be held at the Multi Purpose Hall of St. Michael’s & All Angels Church at HHI in Blantyre — “is to seek Gods grace and blessing for a free, fair, peaceful, and transparent electoral process”.
“Let us also earnestly pray for God’s guidance in the election of leaders who are ‘after His own heart’ (1 Samuel 13:13; Acts 13:22),” said Rev. Maulidi in the Synod’s statement.
The prayers, from 08h00-15h00 at HHI, will be led by the Synod Moderator, Rev. Dr. Humphreys Zgambo and the Synod’s vice-moderator, Rev. Annie Kapinda — with support from the Department of Missions, Training and Evangelism, as well as all Presbytery moderators.
“We further urge all our members to remain peaceful, hopeful, and to trust in the sovereign goodness of Gods during and beyond this electoral season. We are calling all to patronise this very important occasion. May the good Lord bless Malawi and His people,” said Rev. Maulidi in the statement.
