Peace and calm has returned in Malawi’s three major cities of Blantyre, Lilongwe, Zomba and Mzuzu after the officers from Malawi Defence Force (MDF) have taken over security details following chaotic demonstrations which have left property worthy millions of kwachas destroyed.
The Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) called for a two day mass protest aimed at calling for the resignation of the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) chairperson, Jane Ansah SC for what is alleged to be gross mismanagement of the May 21st presidential election results.
Scores of demonstrators took to the streets in all the three major cities and other districts mainly in the northern region where property in government and private buildings have been stolen, looted or burned by the irate demonstrators.
Violent demonstrators overpowered the police to an extent of burning down some police units and set free suspected criminals who were being kept in those police cells.
Despite the heavy military presence in the major cities the situation still remain hostile forcing the cancellation of some activities.
Meanwhile the national republic celebration ceremony which was organized by the Blantyre city council and the Entertainers Promotion at the Independence Arch in Blantyre have been cancelled following security concerns.
Even some sports associations have cancelled games that we’re slated for this weekend.
The Northern Region Football Association (NRFA) league general Secretary Ollens Msonda has issued a statement effecting the cancellation of all league matches in the northern region sighting security concerns.
“The NRFA regrets cancelling all the league matches due to serious security concerns that we have received from many parts of the region where our games were scheduled to be played,” reads part of the letter.
In a similar fashion the Malawi Armature Boxing Association (MABA) has also cancelled the national boxing festival which was supposed to take place in the city of Mzuzu over the weekend sighting the same security concerns.
The Malawi Defence Force and the Malawi Police Service were expected to hold a joint press conference which was aimed at updating the citizens on the country’s security situation.
The United Nations (UN) issued a statement on Thursday urging it’s staff members not to report to their offices and operate from their homes until the situation normalises in all their jurisdiction areas.
