LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Some Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have intensified calls for President Lazarus Chakwera to dismiss Minister of Homeland Security Ezekiel Ching’oma.
The CSOs have also called for the removal of Inspector General (IG) of Police Merlyne Yolamu.
Their demand follows what they describe as a serious failure by the two officials to provide adequate security for Malawians during the nationwide demonstrations held last Thursday.
The protests, which were organized to express public dissatisfaction with governance and economic conditions, were marred by reports of violence, intimidation, and security lapses.
According to the CSOs, the police and the ministry responsible failed in their constitutional duty to safeguard the rights of demonstrators and ensure public safety.
They argue that this failure not only endangered lives but also undermined the citizens’ right to peaceful assembly and expression.
In several parts of the country, demonstrators were reportedly met with teargas and heavy-handed tactics by the Malawi Police Service.
There were also accounts of looting and destruction of property that occurred with little or no police intervention, further raising questions about the preparedness and effectiveness of law enforcement.
Speaking to The Daily Times, the CSO leaders expressed frustration with what they perceive as a pattern of negligence and impunity within the country’s security institutions.
They urged President Chakwera to take decisive action to restore public confidence in the government’s commitment to upholding human rights and the rule of law.
They warned that failure to act could signal tolerance of incompetence and abuse of power at the highest levels of leadership.
In recent months, public trust in security agencies has continued to erode, with several civil society groups accusing officials of politicizing the police and ignoring public outcries.
The CSOs believe that holding Ching’oma and Yolamu accountable would be a step toward reforming Malawi’s security sector.
Meanwhile, the Office of the President and Cabinet is yet to issue a formal response to the CSOs’ demands.
As tensions remain high, many Malawians are closely watching whether the president will take action or continue to stand by the embattled officials.
The incident underscores the growing disconnect between government authorities and the general public, as calls for accountability grow louder across the nation.