HRDC Condemns Violence Against Protesters in Lilongwe, Demands Justice for ‘Sylvester Namiwa’ Assault
Published on June 27, 2025 at 9:57 AM by Evance Kapito
The Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) has strongly condemned the violent scenes that marred Wednesday’s demonstrations in Lilongwe, describing the assault on protest organizer Sylvester Namiwa as a serious violation of democratic rights.
HRDC Chairperson Gift Trapence expressed deep concern over what he called “barbaric acts” that took place in full view of both the Malawi Police Service and Malawi Defence Force (MDF) soldiers, who allegedly failed to intervene.
Trapence said the manhandling of Namiwa, a leading figure in the Citizens for Credible Elections (CFCE), goes against the democratic values that Malawi upholds.
“We demand a swift and impartial investigation into the incident. Those responsible for planning and executing this violence must be brought to justice,” said Trapence in an interview with Zodiak Online.
The CFCE organized the nationwide demonstrations to push for the resignation of Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) Chairperson Justice Annabel Mtalimanja and Chief Elections Officer Andrew Mpesi over their rejection of an independent audit of the Election Management System (EMS) and the use of Electoral Management Devices (EMDs).
The HRDC has since urged the authorities to ensure the safety and protection of all citizens exercising their constitutional right to protest peacefully.
