HRDC Suspends Planned Karonga–Chiweta Road Protests

The Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) has suspended demonstrations that were scheduled for Wednesday, July 1, over the deteriorating condition of the Chiweta–Karonga section of the M1 Road.

HRDC chairperson Michael Kaiyatsa said the decision follows extensive consultations with affected communities, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations, transport operators and other stakeholders across the country.

According to Kaiyatsa, although there is widespread public frustration over the poor state of the road, the coalition acknowledged differing views on the proposed shutdown and the need for broader engagement on the most effective way to pursue the matter.

“As such, HRDC has resolved to suspend the demonstrations to create room for further consultations and to seek legal guidance on issues that emerged during preparations for the planned protests,” he said in a statement.

The coalition had planned the demonstrations to push for concrete, timely and meaningful action from authorities to address the long-standing concerns surrounding the rehabilitation of the Chiweta–Karonga stretch of the M1 Road.