The 2011 Malawi protests were protests aimed at winning political and economic reforms or concessions from the government of Malawi. Those demonstrations were held against a President who had been in power for over 6 years and was showing autocratic tendencies.
On 20 July, Malawian organisations protested against perceived poor economic management and poor governance by President Bingu wa Mutharika and his Democratic Progressive Party.
Leading to those demonstrations many Malawians agreed something needed to be done as the President appeared to getting out of control. His Panga wielding youth group was roaming streets intimidating civilians and many that appeared to be against the President.
After the first two days of protests, 18 deaths, 98 serious injuries and 275 arrests had been reported. Further demonstrations were organised on 17 August and 21 Septembe The first protest was later cancelled due to the intervention of a UN representative in initiating a dialogue; however, the talks broke down with more protests planned for Red Wednesday through a national vigil.
This time around the environment is different and there is not that mass support for the planned January 13th demonstrations. Business people and vendors are more worried about the unruly among the domonstrators and even the Civil Society groups disagree on the need for the planned demos.
Civil Society Organisation (CSO) leaders planning for January 13 anti-government demonstrations have assured Malawians across the country that the demonstrations will be peaceful. Last time this was done there was no need for this kind of caution as many were willing to risk anything to make their voices heard.
Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR) Executive Director said this in an interview with the media on Tuesday, saying he expect the Malawi Police in the country to work hand in hand with the organizers during the matching.
Mtambo said he has that hope that the demonstrations will achieve its intended purpose. A purpose that many within the Civil society question.
