Residents of Ndirande commune justified the violence that broke out on Friday targeting the convoy of Information Minister Moses Kunkuyu, claiming that the minister’s unannounced visit had disrupted their business activities.

The violent incident, which led Kunkuyu to abort his tour in Limbe and Thyolo, saw protesters throw stones at the convoy, including police vehicles, and clash with security forces. Police were forced to use tear gas to disperse the crowds as chaos reigned in the bustling town.

In a video widely shared on social media, a man presenting himself as the secretary of the Ndirande market explained the frustration that led to this violence. He accused the minister of disrupting the local economy by arriving without notice and failing to consult local leaders.

“We just learned that the minister was coming to the commune and people threw stones at his convoy because it disturbed us. We are the owners of Ndirande and we want politicians to respect that,” said the man, who was seen addressing a crowd. “You can’t just come here, disrupt our lives and expect us to sit quietly. If you wish to pass, you must notify us in advance. We have our businesses here and we cannot allow anyone, no matter how powerful, to come and disrupt our livelihoods.

The man’s words were met with approval by the gathered crowd, many chanting their agreement, further expressing their anger at the disruption caused by Kunkuyu’s convoy. According to residents, the presence of a high-profile political figure, accompanied by a convoy of vehicles and police, forced local businesses to temporarily close and caused chaos in the busy market area.

Many traders in the commune expressed their dissatisfaction with the government’s approach, saying they felt ignored and disrespected by politicians who, according to them, only come to Ndirande when it suits them, particularly in election period.

“We are not against the presence of politicians here, but they must show respect to the people who live and work in this region. When you come, you don’t just force entry and disrupt people’s lives,” said another resident, a woman who runs a small business in Ndirande. “It’s always the same: they only come when they need our votes, but they don’t care about our daily struggles.”

The protesters’ grievances appear to stem from a lack of communication and consultation with local leaders ahead of high-level visits. Adding to this anger was a feeling that the authorities had not taken sufficient account of the inconvenience caused to ordinary people who were simply trying to go about their business.

Following the attack, Minister Kunkuyu cut short his visit and condemned the violence, calling it “politically motivated.” The minister also rejected suggestions that the protesters were acting in good faith, instead calling the violence a calculated attempt to disrupt the government’s commitment to citizens.

“We will not be intimidated by this kind of behavior,” Kunkuyu told reporters after the incident. “This kind of violence is not tolerated. We are here to serve the people of Ndirande, and we will continue to support them whatever happens today. This is regrettable, but we will not allow this to prevent us from carrying out our mission.

The minister’s comments appear to suggest that the incident was orchestrated by political opponents. He reiterated that the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), which he represents, does not tolerate violence and will continue to engage with the public regardless of disruptions.

Political analyst Ernest Thindwa warned that incidents like Ndirande’s are becoming more frequent and reflect growing divisions within the country’s political climate. Thindwa noted that even if residents’ grievances were well-founded, resorting to violence to express their discontent only escalates tensions and could worsen if left unaddressed.

“While there are clearly legitimate frustrations on the part of the residents of Ndirande, political violence only exacerbates the situation. If this becomes a trend, it could lead to greater instability in the run-up to the elections,” Thindwa warned. “Politicians must engage with citizens in a more respectful and careful manner, and the government must ensure that all stakeholders, including local leaders, are involved in these important processes. »

Thindwa added that the government and opposition must work together to ease political tensions and avoid further unrest in the run-up to the 2025 general elections. Failure to do so, he warned, could result in greater disillusionment and greater violence in public opinion.

The events in Ndirande highlight the need for greater transparency and communication between political leaders and the communities they serve. Residents have expressed their desire for more consultations before politicians make public appearances in their neighborhoods, particularly in sensitive areas where commercial activities are affected.

For many in Ndirande, the attack on Kunkuyu’s convoy was not simply an outburst of anger, but a broader statement about political exclusion and disregard for the daily lives of the population. As Malawi’s political landscape becomes increasingly polarized, it is clear that engaging communities through dialogue and respect, rather than force and disruption, will be essential to ensuring a peaceful and successful electoral process.

While the violence against Minister Kunkuyu’s convoy is an unfortunate event, it highlights broader tensions between political leaders and the public, particularly in economically strained areas like Ndirande. This incident serves as a reminder that leaders must do more than just visit communities to take photos: they must listen, consult, and interact with citizens in a meaningful and respectful way. Failure to do so will only cause more unrest, something Malawi can ill afford as its next elections approach.

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