……Calls for law enforcement agents to hold perpetrators accountable
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The country’s civil rights groups under the banner National Advocacy Platform (NAP) and Civil Society Elections Integrity Forum (CSEIF) have strongly condemned the destruction the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) vehicles and brutal attacks on MCP members in Nselema, Machinga district on Sunday, February 23, 2025.
In a press statement issued on Monday, February 24 signed by NAP and CSEIF Chairperson Benedicto Kondowe says the reckless attacks and escalating violence, especially happening in an area known as Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) stronghold, leaves a dangerous path towards national instability as the country is approaching to September 16, 2025 General Elections
Reads the statement in part, “The National Advocacy Platform (NAP) and the Civil Society Elections Integrity Forum (CSEIF) strongly condemn the destruction of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) vehicle and the brutal attacks on its members in Mselema, Machinga District, on 23rd February 2025.
“This reckless and escalating violence, especially in an area known as a Democratic Progressive Party (DPP)
stronghold, is not only an attack on democracy but a dangerous path towards national instability as
we approach the 16th May 2025 General Elections”.
NAP, CSEIF statement adds, “This latest incident is part of a worrying trend of politically motivated violence that has occurred in Mbowe, Old Town, and Msundwe in Lilongwe; Mponela in Dowa; Ndirande in Blantyre; Nsanje, Chikwawa, and Mangochi. These acts of violence are not isolated—they reflect a systematic and deliberate effort by some political actors to instil fear, suppress political competition, and undermine democratic processes.
“Even more concerning is the increasing involvement of children in these violent acts, exposing them to danger and eroding their future in a nation that should be fostering peace and development”.
Kondowe appeals, “We call upon all political parties—especially those whose members are implicated in these acts of aggression—to take responsibility and commit to de-escalation.
“Violence should never be a tool for political gain. The quest for power must never come at the expense of the unity, security, and democratic principles that define Malawi”.
He added, “Elections and political positions are not the only important events in life—we have a nation to safeguard, a future to build, and a people to serve”.
Kondowe urges, “NAP and CSEIF demand swift action from law enforcement agencies to investigate and hold
perpetrators accountable.
“We also urge the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), political leaders, Peace and Unity Commission, Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC), and all stakeholders to actively promote peaceful engagement and ensure a safe electoral environment for all”.
He concludes, “Let us remind ourselves that we are stronger together as a nation than what divides us. Malawi deserves peace, not violence”.