LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-President Lazarus Chakwera has condemned violence which marred protests in Lilongwe on Thursday and has since directed for an investigation.

In a statement posted on his official Facebook page, Chakwera says the right of Malawians to protest peacefully is not only enshrined in the Constitution, but also a birthright.

“I have, therefore, directed all relevant state agencies to act swiftly and decisively to restore calm as well as to investigate what happened and ensure that all those who violated the law are held accountable,” he says.

“As President, I will be expecting a preliminary report on findings from both the Ministers of Homeland Security and Defense upon my return, which will form the basis of further actions we will take to ensure this does not happen again and that the 80 days between now and election day are peaceful and violence-free,” demand Chakwera.

The Malawi is expected to be back on Sunday from Afrexim Bank annual meeting which was held on in Abuja, Nigeria.

Meanwhile, pressure ìs mounting on Chakwera to sack Homeland Security Minister Ezekiel Ching’oma, Inspector General of Police (IG) Merlyne Yolamu and Malawi Defence Force (MDF) General Valentino Phiri for siding with thugs.