Violence spikes in wake of poll

THE post-election violence in Malawi seems to be spiralling out of control following the recent killing of two police officers and two civilians amid the tensions.

Violent protests led by the opposition followed the May 21 presidential poll when the incumbent, Peter Mutharika, won a second five-year term narrowly (38.57%) ahead of his main challenger, Lazarus Chakwera (35.41%), and ex-deputy president Saulos Chilima (20.2%).

In the latest deadly incident, a police officer was stoned to death outside the capital Lilongwe last Tuesday.

Another officer died recently during the demonstrations that have seen the armed forces kill two civilians.

Rampant protesters aggrieved by the economic and social situation have looted shops and attacked government buildings. Some foreign ambassadors urged the government to investigate the deadly violence. “The violence has resulted in loss of life, damage to property and businesses and disruption to the lives of many Malawians,” the diplomats jointly stated.

Rupert Colville, spokesperson of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, voiced the organisation’s displeasure at the violent protests across the country of an estimated 18 million people. He urged the government and other actors to urgently engage in meaningful dialogue to address the political, social and economic grievances of the population, and reduce tensions. “Otherwise, there’s a serious risk the situation will spiral out of control,” Colville said.