Supporters of Malawi’s main opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) were injured and their cars vandalised last Saturday in Malawi’s capital, Lilongwe, after alleged armed supporters of the ruling Malawi Congress Party attacked their street procession.
According to DPP officials, the street march was intended to raise awareness about the significance of registering for the 2025 election and securing national identity. However, the gathering was cut short when witnesses said a vehicle unloaded masked men holding machetes and other weapons near a petrol station where DPP supporters were.
DPP authorities claim around 25 supporters were injured and sent to Kamuzu Central Hospital for treatment.
The culprits also vandalised more than ten automobiles owned by DPP supporters, with several having their tyres taken.
According to Levi Luwemba, deputy national director for operations at the DPP, the party of former President Peter Mutharika, the accused are followers of President Lazarus Chakwera’s ruling Malawi Congress Party.
“President Lazarus Chakwera, you should take my word,” Luwemba went on to say. “You will not establish tyranny in this nation. You will not bring anarchy to our country. You will not create a one-party state in this nation. Malawi opted for multiparty democracy in 1994. “We are prepared to protect democracy.
Political commentators believe the tragedy is a poor omen for the political campaign season, which is set to begin in September for next year’s elections.
This is the second time this month that DPP supporters have suffered intimidation from alleged MCP sympathisers.
On February 14, DPP legislators cancelled scheduled vigils at Malawi’s parliament after noticing a group of Congress Party supporters carrying equipment that could be used as weapons and claiming to operate in locations near where the parliamentarians had assembled.
Malawi Congress Party spokesperson Ezekiel Ching’oma told VOA that his party is peaceful and is not to blame for the violence at the DPP’s street procession.
He declined to elaborate, adding that his party will publish a statement about the event.
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