Malawi Defence Force to provide security during demonstrations
Malawi Defence Force (MDF) has said it is ready to provide security during the anti- Malawi Electoral Commission (Mec) Chairperson Justice Jane Ansah demonstrations, dubbed ‘Airport and Border Shutdown’ scheduled for August 26 to 30 2019.
MDF spokesperson Major Paul Chiphwanya said they were ready to fulfill their constitutional mandate of complementing the Malawi Police Service in providing security to the country.
“The Malawi Defence Force is ready to complement Malawi Police Service in the provision of safety and security at any given time if we are asked to help,” he said.
National Police spokesperson, James Kadadzera, was not available for a comment.
Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) has organised the demonstrations pushing for Ansah’s resignation for allegedly mismanaging May 21 tripartite elections results.
On Monday, HRDC declined former president Bakili Muluzi’s fresh call for a meeting over the organisation’s plans to hold the demonstrations.
HRDC Chairperson, Timothy Mtambo, said, while they were equally concerned that the demonstrations would hurt the economy, they forfeit their right to hold could not peaceful demonstrations against impunity.
“We cannot be dialoguing just for the sake of it. We will not meet with him because he has not reported the outcome of his meeting with President Mutharika to us and all Malawians. We told Muluzi that the issue of Jane Ansah was non-negotiable and that we want an end to impunity,” he said.
A vibrant writer who gives a great insight on hot topics and issues
