Human Rights Watch (HRW) has expressed serious concern over the conduct of Malawian authorities, particularly the police, following their reported failure to intervene during an attack on peaceful protesters on June 26. The incident, which took place just three months ahead of the country’s general elections scheduled for September, has raised what the rights group described as “grave concerns” about the government’s ability to deliver a credible, fair, and impartial election.
According to eyewitness accounts and media reports, around a dozen men, some armed with blunt objects and suspected to be politically motivated, descended on demonstrators who had gathered to peacefully protest the government’s handling of the upcoming elections. The demonstrators were reportedly calling for greater transparency and fairness in the electoral process. Despite the violence, no immediate police action was taken against the attackers, and no arrests were made at the scene.
Human Rights Watch’s senior Africa researcher said the incident was troubling, not only for the safety of protesters but for the broader implications it carries for democratic processes in the country. He stated, “For Malawians to have confidence in the fairness of the upcoming election, they need to be sure the police will respond promptly and impartially to threats or acts of violence, no matter who is responsible.”
The inaction by police officers present during the attack has sparked outrage among civil society groups, lawyers, and opposition parties. The Malawi Law Society issued a strong statement calling for the immediate dismissal of the Homeland Security Minister, accusing him of dereliction of duty and complicity in the violence. According to the Law Society, the failure to protect citizens exercising their democratic rights is a clear sign of state failure.
Several human rights defenders have echoed the call for accountability, urging President Lazarus Chakwera’s administration to take swift action to ensure security forces remain neutral and professional in the lead-up to the elections. Political analysts in Malawi have warned that failure to address such incidents could lead to further unrest and discourage voter turnout, particularly among those already feeling marginalized or at risk.
Opposition leaders have also weighed in on the issue, saying the failure of the police to act sends a message that political violence is tolerated when it serves ruling interests. They have demanded an independent investigation into the attack and called for the prosecution of those responsible, regardless of political affiliation.
This is not the first time that concerns have been raised about police conduct and political bias in Malawi. In previous election cycles, allegations of selective enforcement of the law and failure to protect opposition supporters have been common. However, this latest incident is especially alarming to observers because it comes at a time when public trust in key state institutions is already under pressure.
Many Malawians have taken to social media to express their disappointment and anger, with hashtags calling for justice and accountability trending online. Others have demanded stronger oversight of the Malawi Police Service and greater involvement of regional bodies such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Union (AU) in observing the upcoming polls.
As the September election approaches, the credibility of the entire process may hinge on how the government responds to this incident and whether steps are taken to assure citizens that their right to protest, vote, and participate in democracy will be protected.
Local and international election observers are also expected to increase their presence in Malawi ahead of the polls, focusing not just on the voting day itself but on the pre-election environment, including the safety of political actors and freedom of assembly.
Citizens, civic groups, and legal advocates have vowed to keep up pressure on the authorities, warning that any attempt to ignore the June 26 attack or shield those responsible could deepen political divisions and lead to further violence.
