Information released on social media sites indicates that Malawi Defence Force (MDF) soldiers have taken over the street of the capital Lilongwe following the Supreme Court of Appeal’s decision to call off a scheduled three-day demonstration by the Human Rights Defenders Coalition.

Eyewitnesses in the capital, Lilongwe confirmed of the developments.

“Armoured MDF vehicles have been strategically parked from Area 18 Roundabout, where the Lilongwe demonstrations were supposed to start from.”

“At Area 10 junction, there are five armoured vehicles and two MDF trucks stationed and a number of MDF soldiers. Some are manning the entry of the shopping mall,” said the sources.

In Mzuzu, MDF soldiers are patrolling the street with less number of police officers and many shops remained closed for the better part of the day.

Malawians have been protesting heavily against President Peter Mutharika’s May election victory which they claim was fraudulent.

More details to follow…..