MALAWI: CDEDI Banned from Holding Demonstrations: A Threat to Democracy and Human Rights in Malawi

By Smile Hamilton, Malawi 

The Lilongwe City Council has prohibited the Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) from holding demonstrations scheduled to take place today.

According to a letter from the council, signed by its chief executive officer, Lawford Palani, the decision was made due to security concerns.

CDEDI’s executive director, Sylvester Namiwa, expressed disappointment with the council’s decision, stating that they had not received any formal notification.

Namiwa emphasised that the demonstrations were intended to be peaceful and that the group had done nothing wrong. “We were surprised to learn that the police had written to the city council, asking them to stop us from holding the demonstrations,” Namiwa said. “We will not be deterred by this decision and will continue to fight for our rights.”

The demonstrations were intended to protest against the rising cost of living, corruption, and poor governance in Malawi.

CDEDI argues that the government has failed to address these issues, which have resulted in widespread poverty and inequality.

The group is demanding that the government take immediate action to address these concerns and ensure that the country’s resources are used for the benefit of all citizens.

The prohibition comes as President Lazarus Chakwera is scheduled to launch the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project in Kanengo, Lilongwe, today.

The project aims to provide a reliable and efficient energy supply to the country. However, CDEDI argues that the project is a mere distraction from the real issues facing the country, such as poverty, corruption, and poor governance.

Namiwa emphasised that CDEDI will continue to push for accountability and transparency in government, despite the prohibition.

“We will not be silenced or intimidated by the government’s attempts to suppress our rights,” Namiwa said. “We will continue to fight for a better future for all Malawians.”