BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The Malawi Law Society (MLS) has strongly condemned the government’s inaction during the recent violent attacks on peaceful protesters in Lilongwe.

The society is demanding the immediate dismissal of Minister of Homeland Security, Ezekiel Ching’oma, and Inspector General of Police, Marilyn Yolamu, citing gross incompetence and failure to uphold their constitutional mandates.

The protests, organized by Citizens for Credible Elections, turned violent when panga-wielding mobs attacked demonstrators in full view of police and defence force personnel.

The MLS accuses the authorities of deliberately suppressing the right to freedom of assembly and expression by failing to act.

The society invoked Section 153(4) of the Constitution in calling for Ching’oma’s dismissal, stating that he has demonstrably failed to uphold the constitutional discipline and conduct expected of the police service.

Yolamu’s dismissal is sought due to alleged contravention of Section 154 of the Constitution, with the society accusing her of compromised impartiality and questionable competence in handling the protesters.

The MLS warned that state power derives from the people and must be exercised lawfully and for public benefit.

The society expressed concern that the government’s continued silence and cosmetic responses betray fundamental human rights enshrined in Malawi’s Constitution.

The call for dismissal comes after Sylvester Namiwa, lead organizer of the demonstrations, was hospitalized with deep injuries after being attacked during the protests.

The demonstrations aimed to force the resignation of Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) Chairperson Annabel Mtalimanja and its Chief Elections Officer, Andrew Mpesi.