On January 14, 2025, President Lazarus Chakwera received a fervent welcome from thousands of residents in Blantyre, marking his first visit to the southern region for the year. Multitudes had gathered around the iconic Clock Tower, where people of all ages and gender gathered to show their support for the President as he made his way to his official residence, Sanjika Palace.
The enthusiastic reception comes just days after the opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) held a rally in Blantyre, criticizing President Chakwera’s government. The turnout at the welcoming event was viewed as a public endorsement of Chakwera, challenging the DPP’s narrative and indicating strong support for Chakwera among the Blantyre populace.
However, the atmosphere took a dark turn shortly after the President had begun resting at Sanjika, as reports surfaced of a youth gang allegedly mobilized by DPP officials, particularly the DPP Director of Youth Norman Chisale and DPP Secretary General Peter Mukhitho, attempting to intimidate women on their way back from escorting the President. Eyewitness accounts describe a harrowing scene where the gang harassed and undressed women on their way home, leading to a public outcry.
The National Advocacy Platform (NAP) swiftly condemned the incident as “barbaric and degrading,” highlighting how it stands as a direct violation of human dignity and women’s rights. In a press statement issued the day following the incident, NAP leaders Benedicto Kondowe and Baxton Nkhoma stressed that such actions are symptomatic of a larger trend of politically motivated violence that poses a threat to Malawi’s democratic integrity.
“The recent attack is not an isolated incident but part of a disturbing trend of political violence,” the statement read, referencing prior incidents including assaults on political convoys and public gatherings.
The statement called upon the police to take decisive action against those responsible, advocating for accountability and a restoration of public trust in the rule of law. NAP urged political leaders to foster a culture of respect and civility among their supporters, emphasizing that true leadership is measured by the ability to promote unity despite political differences.
