Malawi’s police service has come under fire for the conduct of its officers who casually watched as masked gunmen attacked and foiled protests demanding action over election concerns on Wednesday.

In separate interviews and statements, the Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC), Youth and Society (YAS), National Advocacy Platform (NAP), CCAP Blantyre Synod Church and Society Program and individual analysts yesterday called on the police to investigate the events and ensure the provision of services. security during demonstrations, regardless of their political affiliation.

The reactions follow the scenario in which police officers ostensibly tasked with providing security turned into spectators as armed, masked thugs took control and dispersed opposition protesters, prompting the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) and the National Registration Bureau (NRB) to address electoral concerns.

The protesters planned to march to the MEC offices to submit their petition demanding the resignation of MEC chairperson Annabel Mtalimanja, MEC elections director Andrew Mpesi and NRB principal secretary Mphatso Sambo for alleged failure to fulfill their duties and preside over the general elections of September 16, 2025.

In an interview yesterday, MHRC Chairman Chikondi Chijozi condemned the increasing cases of political violence and the failure of the police to act on the violence in Lilongwe.

She said the police should demonstrate their impartiality and arrest those involved in these barbaric acts.

“We do not want a situation where no one is arrested or investigated because of the barbaric acts committed yesterday,” said Chijozi, a lawyer.

She said the MHRC would take action against the police if the agency did not take action against those responsible for these barbaric acts.

“The commission has the power to protect and promote human rights. We will explore all avenues, including taking legal action against the police,” Chijozi said.

For his part, the Executive Director of YAS, Charles Kajoloweka, said his organization had written to the Inspector General of Police, Merlyne Yolamu, to launch an investigation into why the police officers at the scene did not did not protect the demonstrators.

YAS’s letter reads: “Youth and Society urges you to show strong leadership and ensure that those responsible for this democracy-threatening fracas – both the perpetrators and the officers who neglected their duties – face the necessary legal and disciplinary measures.

“We are confident that, under your leadership, the Malawi Police Service will act to protect the rights of all Malawians and uphold the values ​​on which our nation was founded.

In a statement signed by President Benedicto Kondowe and Coordinator Baxton Nkhoma, the NAP also called on the police to be committed to providing impartial security to all citizens and upholding constitutional rights without discrimination.

“Yesterday’s use of tear gas against demonstrators, in contrast to the inaction against counter-protesters, calls into question whether law enforcement acted independently and proportionately, as required by the Constitution” , we can read in the press release.

For its part, the Church and society of the CCAP Synod of Blantyre also condemned the violence and the behavior of the police who stand idly by and watch people armed with pangas sow terror.

The synod also called on the police chief to act if Malawians are to maintain their trust in the police.

We read in the press release: “On February 24 this year, armed thugs disrupted a peaceful demonstration organized by the Democratic Progressive Party in Lilongwe. Two weeks ago, armed thugs set up an illegal roadblock in Nsundwe, terrorizing road users. So far, no one linked to these cases has been arrested.”

National police spokesperson Peter Kalaya said police officers do not tolerate any form of violence, including political violence, in the country, regardless of who is responsible.

“We are a professional police service and we will continue to act professionally for the safety of all Malawians,” he said.

Regarding YAS’s letter to the IG, Kalaya said it had not yet reached the IG’s office, but the IG would respond when it reached his office.

Political analyst Chrispin Mphande said police should have ensured that people wanting to protest were protected from those carrying pangas. He added that although those carrying pangas protected businesses, police had to restore order.

However, he also called on protest organizers to put in place measures to protect citizens’ businesses.

Another political analyst, George Chaima, described the incident as not only shameful but also a sign of failure of the police as an agency providing security.

Opposition parties are protesting against the electoral body and management of the NRB as well as the use of the Smartmatics information and communication technology election management system, among others.

But in a letter dated November 11, 2024 addressed to the general secretaries of opposition parties demanding his resignation, Mtalimanja, a judge at the Malawi High Court, said the MEC was committed to exercising its powers and functions within the framework of the Constitution of the country.