LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The nation’s civil rights group underneath the banner National Advocacy Platform (NAP) strongly condemns the barbaric and degrading remedy of ladies who had been undressed in Ndirande, Blantyre, following the President Lazarus Chakwera’s go to on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 forward of the John Chilembwe Day commemorations.

In a press assertion issued on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 and signed by NAP Chairperson and National Coordinator Benedicto Kondowe and Baxton Nkhoma respectively, says the act is a gross violation of human dignity, a direct assault on ladies’s rights, and an affront to the values of coexistence and mutual respect that underpin our democratic society.

“This current assault is just not an remoted incident however a part of a disturbing pattern of politically motivated violence.

“It follows a series of previous attacks, including the violence at Mbowe, the mounting of illegal roadblocks at Msundwe, the assault on Hon. Moses Kunkuyu’s convoy in Ndirande, the stoning of the President’s convoy in Blantyre, the attack on AFORD supporters in Mponela, the assault on peaceful demonstrators in Lilongwe, and the targeting of Malawi Congress Party (MCP) supporters in Nsanje,” reads the assertion partially.

NAP provides, “These incidents collectively level to a rising tradition of political intolerance and impunity that threatens the very material of our democracy.

“Attacking women for their political affiliation or attire is a gross violation of their fundamental rights”.

Kondowe nervous, “Public undressing is an act of humiliation that undermines the dignity, bodily autonomy, and participation of women in the political and social spheres of our nation. Such acts perpetuate a cycle of fear and violence, which erodes trust in democratic processes and discourages civic engagement”.

NAP calls on the Malawi Police Service to behave decisively by figuring out, apprehending, and
prosecuting all perpetrators of this and different politically motivated crimes.

“Justice should be swift and visual to discourage additional acts of violence and restore public confidence within the rule of legislation.

“Law enforcement agencies must also prioritize the safety of all citizens, particularly women, during public events and political gatherings,” the assertion provides.

NAP appeals, “We additional urge political social gathering leaders to take duty for selling civility and tolerance amongst their supporters.

“Leadership is measured by the ability to foster unity and respect, even in the face of political differences”.

The teams urges additional, “Political events should unequivocally condemn all acts of violence and take proactive measures to forestall their supporters from partaking in such behaviour.

“Failure to do so not only undermines their credibility but also perpetuates a culture of impunity”.

NAP provides, “As a nation, we should honour the legacy of our nationwide heroes, akin to John Chilembwe, whose battle for dignity, equality, and justice laid the muse for our democracy.

“Allowing acts of violence, intimidation, and humiliation, especially during events meant to celebrate his legacy, is a betrayal of the principles he stood for”.

NAP conclusions, “We urges all stakeholders, together with the federal government, civil society, and political leaders, to hitch fingers in condemning and addressing these acts of violence.

“We must build a society grounded in respect for human rights, dignity, and the rule of law. Let us reject political intolerance and work toward a Malawi where every citizen can live and express themselves freely, without fear of violence or humiliation”.

President Chakwera and full MCP management are within the Southern area for Chilembwe Day.