LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The country’s civil rights group under the banner National Advocacy Platform (NAP) strongly condemns the barbaric and degrading treatment of women who were undressed in Ndirande, Blantyre, following the President Lazarus Chakwera’s visit on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 ahead of the John Chilembwe Day commemorations.
In a press statement issued on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 and signed by NAP Chairperson and National Coordinator Benedicto Kondowe and Baxton Nkhoma respectively, says the act is a gross violation of human dignity, a direct assault on women’s rights, and an affront to the values of coexistence and mutual respect that underpin our democratic society.
“This recent attack is not an isolated incident but part of a disturbing trend of politically motivated violence.
“It follows a series of previous attacks, including the violence at Mbowe, the mounting of illegal roadblocks at Msundwe, the assault on Hon. Moses Kunkuyu’s convoy in Ndirande, the stoning of the President’s convoy in Blantyre, the attack on AFORD supporters in Mponela, the assault on peaceful demonstrators in Lilongwe, and the targeting of Malawi Congress Party (MCP) supporters in Nsanje,” reads the statement in part.
NAP adds, “These incidents collectively point to a growing culture of political intolerance and impunity that threatens the very fabric of our democracy.
“Attacking women for their political affiliation or attire is a gross violation of their fundamental rights”.
Kondowe worried, “Public undressing is an act of humiliation that undermines the dignity, bodily autonomy, and participation of women in the political and social spheres of our nation. Such acts perpetuate a cycle of fear and violence, which erodes trust in democratic processes and discourages civic engagement”.
NAP calls on the Malawi Police Service to act decisively by identifying, apprehending, and
prosecuting all perpetrators of this and other politically motivated crimes.
“Justice must be swift and visible to deter further acts of violence and restore public confidence in the rule of law.
“Law enforcement agencies must also prioritize the safety of all citizens, particularly women, during public events and political gatherings,” the statement adds.
NAP appeals, “We further urge political party leaders to take responsibility for promoting civility and tolerance among their supporters.
“Leadership is measured by the ability to foster unity and respect, even in the face of political differences”.
The groups urges further, “Political parties must unequivocally condemn all acts of violence and take proactive measures to prevent their supporters from engaging in such behaviour.
“Failure to do so not only undermines their credibility but also perpetuates a culture of impunity”.
NAP adds, “As a nation, we must honour the legacy of our national heroes, such as John Chilembwe, whose fight for dignity, equality, and justice laid the foundation for our democracy.
“Allowing acts of violence, intimidation, and humiliation, especially during events meant to celebrate his legacy, is a betrayal of the principles he stood for”.
NAP conclusions, “We urges all stakeholders, including the government, civil society, and political leaders, to join hands in condemning and addressing these acts of violence.
“We must build a society grounded in respect for human rights, dignity, and the rule of law. Let us reject political intolerance and work toward a Malawi where every citizen can live and express themselves freely, without fear of violence or humiliation”.
President Chakwera and entire MCP leadership are in the Southern region for Chilembwe Day.
