Governance critics demand firm action against instigators of political violence

Some governance critics are asking the Malawi Police Service (MPS) and the Malawi Defence Force (MDF) to walk the talk on their warnings by taking decisive action against perpetrators of political violence and hate speech.

Benedicto Kondowe, the National Advocacy Platform executive director, called for commitment from the security agencies saying: “They must move beyond merely issuing statements of condemning.

They must act. We need more action investigating instances of violence and prosecuting perpetrators of instability that we have witnessed as a country.”

He also emphasized the need for the citizenry to collaborate with the MDF and MPS to push the peace agenda.

“And as citizens, we must support these endeavors that when perpetrators of violence are being apprehended or prosecuted, it should not be deemed as witch hunting because this is what has contributed towards political violence and instability that we have had. So I think collectively each one of us has a role to play,” Kondowe said.

Undule Mwakasungula, a governance commentator, also underscored the need for the citizenry to understand that violation of laws guiding the nation’s peace invites strict punishment regardless of whether the person holds high authority or not.

Mwakasungula said: “Inciting violence is a crime under Malawi law, so it is important that Malawians must understand that those involved will face consequences. The constitution is very clear in terms of not encouraging Malawians to incite violence, to incite hate.”

He also concurred with Kondowe pointing out that the electorate, as citizens, need to exercise their responsibility of maintaining law and order as the elections draw near.

“So I think what is key is for us as an electorate to be responsible, to understand and appreciate that violence has no room in our democratic society,” Mwakasungula said.

The Public Affairs Committee commented on the saying the MPS and MDF needs to restore public trust as a critical step to curbing political violence ahead of general elections in September.

In a joint statement issued Thursday, the two security agencies warned political parties, civil society groupings, and individuals against uttering inflammatory speeches to incite violence lest they face full force of the law.

Reacting to the warning, PAC spokesperson Gilford Matonga demands conclusion of investigations into previous cases of political violence stressing that would prove the police’s commitment to tackling the vice.

Matonga said the security agencies need to show seriousness as the elections draw nearer.

He said: “That is what is going to give the Malawians confidence that the police and the Malawi Defence Force are serious concerning maintaining law and order and ensuring that there is internal security as we go towards the general elections this year.”

‘The two security institutions believe that Malawians have the right to live their lives free from fear of political violence. MDF and MPS therefore strongly warn all those involved in the said acts, that these are crimes that are punishable under the laws of Malawi.’ Reads part of the joint statement.

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