Malawi’s Minister of information Shadric Namalomba condemns MCP over unlawful march, says rule of law must prevail

By Jones Gadama

LILONGWE –MARAVIPOST: Democratic Progressive Party spokesperson Shadric Namalomba has condemned the Malawi Congress Party for allegedly holding an unlawful assembly and march to the Mausoleum in Lilongwe, saying the incident shows a disregard for legally accepted procedures.

In a statement posted on his official Facebook page, Namalomba said the MCP’s actions were “unlawful and criminal” because the party failed to seek clearance from both the Malawi Police Service and the Lilongwe City Council prior to the march.

“When you deliberately choose not to follow the law; when you still believe you have the power to break it, just as you did in the past, then what you get is exactly what you deserve,” Namalomba wrote.

He argued that the absence of clearance rendered the assembly illegal, adding that “no clearance means no legality. No legality means no sympathy.” Official Government spokesperson and Minister of information Shadric Namalomba
said the police response to the incident was justified, and called on Malawians to recognize the role of law enforcement in maintaining order.

“The actions of the police are fully merited. We must all stand up and congratulate the brave men and women in uniform for preserving order and protecting life and property,” he said.

Namalomba stated that the incident should serve as a warning against impunity and a reminder that political parties must operate within the law. “Let this be a lesson: the era of impunity is over,” he wrote.

The DPP has repeatedly urged political actors to follow due process when organizing public gatherings, noting that failure to do so undermines democratic norms and risks public safety.

Political analysts say the incident highlights the need for all parties to respect Malawi’s laws on public assembly, which require prior notification and approval from relevant authorities. The law is intended to balance the right to peaceful assembly with the need to protect public order and safety.

Neither the MCP nor the Malawi Police Service had issued an official response to the claims at the time of going to press.

Jones Gadama

Holder of a Bachelor’s Degree in Education (English) and Diplomas in Journalism and French Language. Seasoned journalist and educator with over 10 years of experience in writing feature stories, analysis, and investigative pieces on social justice, human rights, and Malawian culture. Skilled in language instruction and examination. Passionate about creating engaging content and fostering a supportive learning environment.