Cost of Sponsored Violence

photo: Monica Mkandawire 

By: Jane Chimchere 
March , 21 2025

Monica Mkandawire a 34 year old primary school teacher in Area 44 was brutally attached by armed men wielding panga knives on  Thursday afternoon March 19, 2025 in Area 18 Lilongwe, during ongoing civil servant demostrations. 

The demostration led by concerned civil servants was sparked by the skyrocketing cost of living following the devaluation with commodity prices doubling a 12% salary increment protesters are caling for a 44% increase to match the devaluation. 

Speaking from her home bed in Area 44 Mkandawire said the attack has left her not only physically  wounded but emotionally shattered. 

"I was only standing up for what is right for me, my colleagues and my family, now i live in fear . "She said. 

Chapter lV of the constitution of Malawi  guarantees the right to  peaceful demostrations and assembly. Section 38 states : " Every person  shall have the right to assemble and demonstrate with others peacefully and unarmed. "

Minister of Homeland security Richard Chimwendo Banda has strongly condemned the attack blaming both the opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and the ruling Malawi Congress Party ( MCP) for fueling  political violence. 


" This barbaric act has no place in our democracy we will investigate  thoroughly and bring to justice those  responsible . Both DPP and MCP elements are unfortunately sponsoring these violent acts for political gains. " Banda said. 


State House Press Secretary Anthony Kasunda , speaking on behalf of President Lazarus Chakwera also condemned the violence. 

" The President is deeply concerned by these cowardly attacks , every Malawian has a right to peacefully express their grievances without fear . Government will ensure law enforcement agencies protect this constitutional right." Kasunda said. 

Ester Nkhoma warned that demostrations would continue until their salary demands are met 

"We are not fighting the government, we simply asking it to fulfill it's duty to it's citizens we cannot be silenced by intimidation." Nkhoma said. 

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