By Cathy Maulidi
UTM president Dalitso Kabambe— who was among protesters that ran for dear life during Monday’s aborted demonstrations in Lilongwe—has sounded the alarm on what he calls Malawi’s escalating socio-economic crisis, urging international intervention to prevent bloodshed.
In letters to British, American and European Union (EU) ambassadors, Kabambe highlights what he calls the country’s debilitating economic instability, governance challenges, social unrest and food insecurity.
“I feel a deep sense of responsibility to voice my concerns about the recent alarming events that have unfolded in our nation. As you are aware, Malawi has been experiencing significant hurdles, including economic instability, governance challenges, social unrest and food insecurity, amongst myriad challenges.
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“These challenges have not only strained our national resilience but have also left millions of Malawians in precarious circumstances. Firstly, I must address the urgent situation that Malawi finds itself in—a situation that is on the brink of
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Bloodshed….” Kabambe writes.
He says, instead of safeguarding the freedom and rights of citizens, armed vigilantes have been allowed to roam the streets in daylight, brandishing weapons and assaulting individuals who exercise their democratic right to protest.
“To our friends in the diplomatic community: your silence and tolerance of these undemocratic actions are unacceptable. We earnestly call upon you to engage the Malawian government decisively. Those who perpetrate or enable such violence must be held accountable,” the letters read.
Kabambe has, therefore, demanded decisive action against those perpetrating or enabling violence, advocating for punitive sanctions against complicit individuals.
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“Should there be failure to act by the responsible officers, we implore you to consider punitive sanctions against individuals who are complicit in these grave offenses.
“Moreover, we urge all nations to reinforce their commitment to combating corruption in Malawi. It is vital that allegations of corruption, particularly within our Judiciary and pivotal sectors such as fertiliser and fuel procurement, be thoroughly investigated and addressed.” Kabambe has said.
When contacted, the European Union embassy, through spokesperson Grace Nachiola, confirmed that UTM had informed them that they had sent a letter but was quick to say Ambassador Rune Skinnebach is yet to look at it.
“The Ambassador is out this week for the investment forum, so I don’t think he has seen it yet,” Nachiola said.
The US Embassy also confirmed being in receipt of the letter.
“Yes we have received the letter from the UTM leader. We confirm,” said United States of America’s Embassy Public Affairs Officer Grant Phillipp said.
In another development, the US Embassy in Malawi, in a statement attributable to Chargé d’Affaires Amy W. Diaz and dated November 27 2024, has reiterated the need to let democracy flourish.
“The rights to peaceably assemble and to protest are fundamental elements of a democracy. Authorities have a responsibility not only to permit peaceful demonstrations, but also to protect participants from acts of intimidation or violence. Those who engage in violence or otherwise interfere with peaceful demonstrations should be held accountable.
“As Malawi prepares for elections in 2025, authorities have a duty to ensure that candidates, political parties, media, and private citizens are able to exercise their constitutional rights freely and securely. We join civil society organisations in urging the government to fulfill its constitutional responsibilities to safeguard the democratic rights of all Malawians,” Diaz says in the statement.
During last week’s opposition political party-led demonstrations, people carrying pangas thronged the streets, where the threatened, and in some cases attacked, protesters.
