In a shocking display of deep-seated thuggery and criminality, Victor Musowa, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) legislator for Mulanje Bale, has come under scrutiny after reportedly inciting violence against members of the ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP) during a recent rally in Ndilande. Speaking in the presence of senior party officials, Musowa urged DPP supporters to not only physically attack but also kill MCP members whenever they come to the township for political activities.
Musowa’s inflammatory comments were made against the backdrop of heightened tensions following the tragic murder of Mabvuto Chimwanza, a youth director for the MCP in the same area, just two months prior. Chimwanza was killed outside his residence, an event that sent shockwaves through the community and raised alarms about political violence in the country.
Despite the serious implications of his statements, Musowa has yet to issue any apologies or clarifications, leaving many to interpret his lack of remorse as tacit approval of his remarks within DPP ranks. According to Section 87 of Malawi’s Penal Code, inciting violence is a criminal offense, punishable by up to five years in prison, yet no immediate actions have been taken against Musowa.
MCP officials have called for calm among their supporters, urging them to refrain from retaliatory actions. The contrast between the MCP’s restraint and Musowa’s reckless advocacy for violence highlights a critical tension in contemporary Malawian politics, raising questions about responsibility and accountability in political discourse.
With the DPP leadership’s apparent silence on Musowa’s comments, there are growing concerns about the normalization of violent rhetoric in a political landscape that has historically grappled with strife and unrest. As the situation unfolds, stakeholders in the political arena and civil society analysts alike will be watching closely, questioning how political parties uphold ethical standards and public safety amidst intensifying partisan conflicts.
