HRDC Insists July 1 Karonga Protests Will Go Ahead
Published on June 25, 2026 at 10:00 AM by Edgar Naitha
The Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) has reaffirmed that its planned demonstrations in Karonga will proceed on 1 July despite opposition from traditional leaders and some civil society organisations.
The protests are intended to pressure the government to speed up the rehabilitation of the Karonga–Chiweta Road.
Paramount Chief Kyungu and other local stakeholders have urged HRDC to cancel the demonstrations, arguing that they fear a repeat of the 2019 protests, which they say resulted in damage to public infrastructure.
Senior Chief Karonga also accused the coalition of pursuing a politically motivated agenda. Meanwhile, Civil Society Organisations Network Chairperson Edgar Phiri said dialogue with the government remains the preferred approach to resolving the matter.
However, HRDC Chairperson Michael Kaiyatsa said the demonstrations are a constitutional right and will be conducted peacefully.
He stressed that the planned citizen action is aimed at demanding accountability and immediate government intervention on the long-delayed road project.
The standoff comes as residents continue to call for urgent rehabilitation of the strategic M1 Karonga–Chiweta Road, saying its poor condition is disrupting transport, trade, and access to essential services.
