LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The fierce battles between Lilongwe City Council (LCC) and street vendors appear to have ceased fire for the time being.
The Maravi Post has observed on multiple occasions across various parts of the capital city that vendors are now freely trading along the streets from dawn to dusk.
This sudden calm raises questions about what has prompted the council to ease restrictions on street vending at this time of the year.
Could the approaching general elections set for 16 September 2025 be the driving reason behind this apparent truce?
It certainly seems plausible that the upcoming elections have influenced this shift in approach.
Since 2020, there have been serious confrontations between LCC and street vendors, locally known as “city,” who were often chased off the streets with little regard for their livelihoods.
In a particularly dramatic incident, one street vendor reportedly jumped from Lilongwe Bridge into the Lilongwe River while attempting to escape enforcement officers.
The enforcement reached a peak of physical violence when city officials used whips to punish vendors for conducting their business along the streets.
Additionally, it was common for officials to seize vendors’ goods without due process, often leaving owners empty-handed despite attempts to reclaim their property.
Such actions have raised concerns about impunity during the execution of city duties, with allegations of abuse of power and disregard for vendors’ rights.
The current lull in conflict between the council and street vendors offers a momentary respite but also prompts reflection on the deeper issues that continue to affect informal traders in the capital.
As the election period progresses, it remains to be seen whether this peace will hold or if the underlying tensions will resurface.
