By Paschal Norbert
BLANTYRE, JULY 1, 2025(CISA) – Malawi’s Catholic Bishops have issued a solemn appeal for peace and democratic integrity following a disturbing surge in political violence ahead of the country’s September 16 General Elections. In a strongly worded statement dated June 27, the Malawi Conference of Catholic Bishops (MCCB) condemned recent attacks on demonstrators, journalists, and bystanders, calling on all citizens to embrace nonviolence and honor the rule of law.
“We condemn in the strongest possible terms all forms of violence and lawless behavior that we have noted over the past few months,” the bishops declared, noting “While the MCCB is neutral in matters of party politics, we remind all Catholics and people of goodwill, whatever their individual political views, to be united in our commitment to our Savior Jesus Christ and His teaching on the primacy of the commandment of love.”
Their statement follows a brutal attack on June 26, 2025, at the Lilongwe Community Centre, where a group of panga-wielding assailants assaulted peaceful demonstrators, journalists, and bystanders. Multiple vehicles were set ablaze in full view of state security forces, including police and soldiers, who reportedly did nothing to intervene. The incident, condemned widely by human rights organizations and democracy advocates, marks a troubling pattern of unchecked violence in Malawi’s increasingly tense political landscape.
The bishops warned that such acts of brutality erode public trust, fuel impunity, and risk plunging the nation into further instability.
“Such behavior not only fuels impunity but also erodes public trust and leads to the so-called ‘mob justice’,” they said, warning “Political violence has never been a solution to differing political beliefs and ideologies.”
They further directed that all Catholic parishes hold special prayers for peace on Sunday, July 6, in a show of national unity and intercession.
The bishops also addressed the role of institutions in ensuring a credible electoral process. They urged the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) to act transparently and impartially, emphasizing that public confidence in the commission is essential to peaceful and legitimate elections.
“We strongly appeal to the Malawi Electoral Commission to always fulfill its duty in a way that builds trust among political parties and the general public,” they admonished.
In recent weeks, tensions have been rising as political parties ramp up campaigns ahead of the elections. Isolated clashes between rival supporters have escalated into organized violence, often carried out by groups armed with machetes, targeting protestors and perceived opponents. The apparent complicity, or inaction, of security agencies has fueled fears of state-sanctioned violence.
