By Pemphero Malimba:
The main opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and governing Malawi Congress Party (MCP) are engaging in a blame game over cases of political violence in the country.
This follows the alleged torching of a vehicle, reportedly belonging to DPP members, at Mponela Trading Centre in Dowa District on Sunday.
Reports indicate that the incident happened as DPP members were coming from Ntchisi District, where DPP Central Region vice president Alfred Gangata had presided over a political rally.
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In a video circulating on social media, DPP youth director Norman Chisale is heard accusing MCP of having a hand in the incident.
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Chisale also accuses the Malawi Police Service of failing to act on a tip pertaining to a planned attack on DPP members on Sunday.
DPP national publicity secretary Shadric Namalomba told The Daily Times Monday that the torching of the vehicle was a clear indication of “MCP’s violent tendencies”.
“The DNA [deoxynucleic acid] of MCP seems to be one of the violence, theft and silencing critics. This is a stark contrast to what a truly democratic party should stand for, which is promoting peace, respecting the rule of law and fostering healthy and constructive political discourse,” Namalomba said.
He challenged the MCP leadership to understand that violence was a sign of weakness as well as lack of confidence in its own capabilities.
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“It is a desperate attempt to cling to power and a clear indication that they have failed to win the hearts and minds of the people through their policies and actions,” Namalomba said.
He said the party was geared to promote a violence-free campaign ahead of the September 16, 2025 Local Government, Parliamentary and Presidential Elections.
“Violence and intimidation have no place in a truly democratic society and should not be used as a means to an end. It is extremely disappointing to see that the MCP has, once again, resorted to using violence as a political tool. We deplore this behaviour and condemn the inaction of the police in dealing with these acts,” he said.
However, MCP deputy publicity secretary Ken Msonda described DPP’s sentiments as “mere propaganda”.
“Truth [must] be told to shame the devil and DPP propagandists in Malawi. DPP is good at dirty propaganda to seek public attention and sympathy. It is alleged that the torching of the vehicle was done by DPP leaders themselves,” Msonda said.
He alleged that the party had torched the vehicle to dent the image of the MCP.
“Remember, there is a very tense division, hatred, frustrations, disgruntlement and anger among DPP leaders at all levels, be it at presidential, parliamentary and Local Government elections level in terms of who has to represent the party during the forthcoming September 16 elections. It is alleged, and believed, that the DPP staged that incident to dent the good image, reputation respect and integrity of the MCP leadership,” Msonda said.
He said MCP would not engage in any form of violence.
“Let’s wait for the police to do their job. Suffice to say that the MCP leadership cannot stoop so low, to the extent of torching DPP vehicles. It is not in our party leaders’ DNA but it is in DPP leaders’ DNA,” he said.
Commenting on the development, political analyst Wonderful Mkhutche said the country should expect more cases of violence due to police’s alleged selective response to the issue of violence as well as political parties’ failure to own up to the violence.
“It is an unfortunate reality but we have to brace for more violence, including loss of life and property. The police and parties must do more. We need to see the perpetrators being held answerable to their crimes and parties acting decisively on members who are into violence,” Mkhutche said.
Meanwhile, the Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) has condemned the alleged torching of the vehicle.
“Let it be known, without hesitation or ambiguity, [that] there is no justification, no provocation and no political context that can validate the use of violence against fellow citizens. Ours is a country founded on the rule of law, pluralism and tolerance. These attacks, targeted, destructive and dangerous, are an attack on the very heart of our republic,” HRDC says in a statement signed by its leaders, including its national chairperson Gift Trapence.
“To the Malawi Police Service, [we say] investigate the Mponela attack as a matter of national urgency. Arrest and prosecute the perpetrators. Show the nation that no one is above the law,” the statement reads.
The organisation has also urged political parties to condemn violence by disowning violent supporters and surrendering them to police.
“To Mec [Malawi Electoral Commission], lead a nationwide civic education campaign against political violence. Ensure that all electoral players are held accountable to codes of conduct. To civil society and religious leaders, speak up and speak out. Do not be silent in the face of injustice,” the statement adds.
On his part, People’s Federation for National Peace and Development (Pefenap) Executive Director Edward Chaka said there was a need to promote peace as Malawians prepare for this year’s elections.
“The prevalence of peace will create a conducive environment for the holding of free and fair elections.
“We, as Pefenap, therefore, urge all stakeholders to be promoting fair dealing in all activities pertaining to elections. This is the right time to show the world that Malawians are peace-loving people; people who are ready to show the world that there is no substitute for peace,” Chaka said.
Meanwhile, Malawi Police Service spokesperson Peter Kalaya has said police have launched investigations into the matter.
“MPS [Malawi Police Service] has launched investigations into the incident to bring to book those responsible. The service further calls on all political parties to refrain from open provocations and promote peaceful co-existence, especially now that Malawi is politically polalised with the upcoming September general elections,” Kalaya said in a statement released Monday.
He said the police were committed to maintaining law and order in the country.
“The service reaffirms its commitment to maintaining law and order and calls on political parties to honour their pledge of peace made ahead of the campaign period,” he said.
This is coming at a time the Malawi Peace and Unity Commission has been engaging political party leaders on the need to speak against violence ahead of the forthcoming elections.
The commission has, so far, met with MCP leader Lazarus Chakwera, UTM Party president Dalitso Kabambe and former State president Bakili Muluzi, United Democratic Front leader Atupele Muluzi, among others.
