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DPP, MCP Trade Blame Over Violence During Lilongwe Demonstrations
Published on June 27, 2025 at 10:37 AM by Edgar Naitha
Tensions flared in Lilongwe yesterday as violent scenes marred anti-government demonstrations, with the opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and the ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP) trading accusations over responsibility for the chaos.
Two vehicles were torched, and several demonstrators, including organizers, were attacked by individuals wielding panga knives at the Lilongwe Community Ground.
DPP spokesperson Shadric Namalomba accused the MCP of orchestrating the violence, claiming the ruling party supplied the weapons and deployed individuals to disrupt the protest.
“Violence is in the DNA of the Malawi Congress Party,” Namalomba alleged. “They bought the pangas and sent thugs to attack citizens who were simply exercising their democratic right to protest.”
He further criticized the MCP-led government, blaming it for rising poverty levels and accusing it of economic mismanagement and political intimidation.
In response, the MCP vehemently denied any involvement in the violence. The party’s second publicity secretary, Ken Msonda, turned the accusations back on the opposition, alleging that the DPP was behind the attacks.
“Everyone knows that this is the DPP’s style—sending people with panga knives to kill and intimidate others,” Msonda said.
The demonstrators were calling for the resignation of Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) Chairperson Annabel Mtalimanja and Chief Elections Officer Andrew Mpesi. Protesters cited alleged mismanagement in recent electoral processes as the basis for their demands.
As investigations continue, the political blame game highlights deepening tensions between Malawi’s main political parties amid growing public discontent.
