Chakwera in Nigeria where he engaged with Alhaji Aliko Dangote, founder & president of Dangote Group
* As President, I will be expecting a preliminary report from both the Ministers of Homeland Security and Defense upon my return
* On his return, Malawi Law Society (MLS) will be expecting the President should address the petition it issued on Thursday
* Demanding the immediately dismiss of Minister of Homeland Security, Ezekiel Ching’oma and Inspector General of Police (IG), Merlyne Yolamu
* Over their failure to act on perpetrators of escalating political violence that has just reared its head ahead of the September 16 elections
By Sheminah Nkhoma, MANA & Duncan Mlanjira, Maravi Express
Speaking from Nigeria where he is on a State Visit, President Lazarus Chakwera has expressed deep concern over the recent acts of violence and vandalism during demonstrations held in Lilongwe on Thursday.
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In a statement released today via his official Facebook page, the President reaffirmed that the right of Malawians to protest peacefully is not only guaranteed by the Constitution but is also a fundamental birthright.
He, however, condemned the violent conduct witnessed during the demonstrations, describing it as unacceptable and contrary to democratic values: “While here in Nigeria, I have been closely following developments back home, and I strongly condemn the violence that marred recent demonstrations.”
President Chakwera has directed all relevant state agencies to act swiftly and decisively to restore order — and he also called for thorough investigations to ensure that all those who broke the law are brought to justice.
“As President, I will be expecting a preliminary report from both the Ministers of Homeland Security and Defense upon my return,” he said, while emphasising his commitment to ensuring a peaceful and violence-free environment across the country.
Meanwhile, the Malawi Law Society (MLS) will be expecting that on his return the President should address the petition it issued on Thursday demanding the immediately dismiss of Minister of Homeland Security, Ezekiel Ching’oma and Inspector General of Police (IG), Merlyne Yolamu over their failure to act on perpetrators of escalating political violence that has just reared its head ahead of the September 16 elections.
A statement signed by MLS president Davis Mthakati Njobvu and honorary secretary, Francis Ekari M’mame, reminds Chakwera that under section 153(4) of the Constitution, the Minister is responsible for ensuring that ‘the discipline and conduct of the Malawi Police Service accords with the prescriptions of [the] Constitution’ – a responsibility which the Minister has demonstrably failed to uphold”.
Expensive vehicle with no number plate abducting demonstration leaders
On IG Yolamu, the MLS says it has considered the “powers of command, superintendence, and direction that are bestowed in the office of the Inspector General under section 7 of the Police Act, and the powers that the President has under sections 154 (4) (a) and (b) of the Constitution, which respectively allow for the removal of the Inspector General of Police on account of incompetence of compromised impartiality”.
“Serious doubts exist regarding the competence and impartiality of the Inspector General of Police in light of today’s events, warranting her immediate removal from office.”
In conclusion, the MLS reminded President Chakwera “and all those that exercise State power, including its agencies, that under Section 12 of the Constitution, all political and legal authority derives from the people of Malawi”.
“Such authority must only be exercised within the confines of the law, and crucially for the benefit of the people of Malawi.”
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The MLS emphasised that it issued the petition through its statutory mandate under section 64(d) of the Legal Education and Legal Practitioners Act “to protect matters of public interest touching, ancillary or incidental to law”.
The MLS also said that it issued the statement following another it did on May 12, 2025 in which it highlighted “the continuing reports of escalating violence, alongside the apparent inaction and cosmetic response by the State and its security agents”.
In their response to the brutal violence, Heads of Diplomatic Missions in Malawi issued a statement condemning the violence and called on the Government and Malawi’s State authorities “to uphold the rule of law, protect the people of Malawi and conduct an investigation into any incidents of violence”.
“Malawi’s security forces have a duty to uphold the right to freedom of assembly for all citizens,” said the Heads of Missions in their joint statement. “We urge all Malawian to respect the right to assemble and demonstrate responsibly and peacefully.
“The right to freedom of assembly is enshrined in Malawi’s Constitution, protected under international human rights law and is the cornerstone of Malawi’s open and democratic society.
“As long-standing partners and friends of Malawi, we are troubled by reports that illustrate a trend of violence during peaceful and lawful demonstrations in Malawi’s cities.”
The Diplomatic Missions are European Union, Embassies of the Federal Republic of Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Japan, The Royal Norwergean, the United States and the British High Commission.
The demonstration were led by the Police and the MDF
In her own statement, US Embassy Charge d’Affaires, Amy Diaz said she was “sickened to see the violence against peaceful demonstrators by a group of armed assailants [and] what was particularly appalling was the failure of the Malawi Police Service and the Malawi Defence Force to carry out their duties to protect their fellow citizens.
“A fundamental duty of government is to ensure that citizens can freely exercise their rights under the Constitution.”
Meanwhile, several members of the public have identified some of the panga-wielding perpetrators of the brutal violence that terrorised a peaceful demonstration organised by Citizens for Credible Elections in Lilongwe.
They were caught on camera carrying out their act savagery in full view of the Police and the MDF who were supposedly providing security to the demonstrators.
One caught manhandling a demonstrator in full of the law enforcement officers, has been identified as Nerson, a bouncer at Illusions Bar in Lilongwe and he is also dressed in military regalia, which has just been banned by Minister of Homeland Security, Ezekiel Ching’oma just a day previously.
Identified as Nerson
Identified as Mkasa operating along Devil Street
The same individual is also suspected to be carrying a firearm, which has been detected on his trousers’ back pocket, yet possession of guns in public gatherings ahead of September 16 elections has been banned by electoral law as announced by Malawi Electoral Commission on Monday.
One other individual has been identified as Mkasa, a mobile phone repairman operating along Devil Street with full direction to where he operates at his shop, hinting to the police that these can lead to gang leaders and possible financiers of this political terrorism shaking the Capital City in recent times.
The swift coordination, in which the violence perpetrators are using of expensive cars — coupled that none is being arrested for the crimes against innocent demonstrators— generate suspicion on the public that they are funded by high ranking individuals.
