Malawi Law Society Calls on Chakwera to Fire Security Minister and IG Over Lilongwe Protest Violence

The Malawi Law Society (MLS) has called on President Lazarus Chakwera to immediately dismiss Homeland Security Minister Ezekiel Ching’oma and Inspector General of Police Merlyne Yolamu following violent incidents that marred planned demonstrations in Lilongwe on Wednesday.

The call follows disturbing scenes in the capital where a group of unidentified men wielding machetes and other weapons attacked protesters, including prominent human rights activist Sylvester Namiwa, while police and soldiers allegedly stood by without intervening.

In its statement, signed by Chairperson for MLS Davis Mthakati Njobvu, said the law grants the President the power to fire the Inspector General of Police if she is found to be acting with bias or failing to uphold the law.

Similarly, the Public Affairs Committee (PAC) has also condemned the violence and raised concerns that the attackers may have been politically sponsored, citing the government’s failure to arrest or investigate those responsible for the assaults.

Despite growing public outrage, President Chakwera, senior government officials, and police authorities are yet to publicly comment on the incident.

This marks the third time in recent months that vigilante groups armed with machetes have violently disrupted peaceful demonstrations in Lilongwe.

During a recent PAC meeting in Blantyre, IG Yolamu had promised action against such machete-wielding groups, but Wednesday’s events suggest little progress has been made.

Njobvu said it was clear that both Ching’oma and Yolamu had failed in their constitutional duties to protect citizens exercising their right to peaceful assembly.

Citing Sections 153(4) and 154(4)(a) and (b) of Malawi’s Constitution, Njobvu said the law gives the President clear authority to remove both the Homeland Security Minister and the Police Chief for failure to perform their duties impartially and lawfully.

The nation now awaits the government’s official response as pressure mounts from legal bodies, civil society, and concerned citizens.