MALAWI: Tension In Mzuzu As Youth With Pangas Disrupt Anti-Government Demos

By Smile Hamilton, Malawi

A group of young men wielding pangas disrupted demonstrations that were planned to demand the resignation of three cabinet ministers.

The demonstrations, organized by vendors in Mzuzu, aimed to pressure authorities into revoking retail licenses from foreign nationals conducting business in the city.

Alexander Sikwese, chairperson of the vendors, said the protests were initially suspended due to security concerns, as the presence of armed youths posed a high risk of violence.

However, Sikwese has confirmed that the demonstrations will proceed, with some vendors arming themselves with pangas for self-defense.

There was a heavy police presence in Mzuzu’s central business district.