LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The nation’s civil rights group National Advocacy Platform (NAP) is looking President Lazarus Chakwera to point out decisive management motion on unrest rocking the nation.

NAP has cited Ndirande and Lilongwe Violence that want presidential Leadership for peace and unity promotion.

In a press assertion issued on Saturday, November 24, 2024 signed by NAP Chairperson and National Coordinator Benedicto Kondowe and Baxton Nkhoma respectively urges President Chakwera to urgently and publicly condemn acts of political violence to bolster Malawi’s dedication to peace and democracy.

“The National Advocacy Platform (NAP) unequivocally condemns the violent acts in Ndirande, the place
vigilantes burned MCP-branded t-shirts and disrupted voter registration efforts. These occasions, following comparable violence in Lilongwe highlighted in NAP’s 14th November 2024 assertion, signify an alarming escalation of lawlessness and political intolerance.

“The continued inaction of the Malawi Police Service has emboldened perpetrators, eroded public trust, and jeopardized the integrity of the 2025 general elections,” reads NAP assertion partly.

“NAP is equally disturbed by the President’s failure to publicly denounce these acts of violence. As the
nation’s first citizen, the President bears a constitutional and ethical obligation to safeguard peace and unity.

“This silence risks undermining Malawi’s hard-earned peace and emboldening violent actors, threatening national stability,” observes NAP.

Kondowe provides, “NAP remains steadfast in its commitment to defending democracy, ensuring accountability, and protecting constitutional freedoms.

“NAP is gravely concerned about the deliberate creation of “no-go zones” by vigilantes, which undermines the basic rules of democracy, together with freedom of motion, affiliation, and political participation”.

The assertion observes additional, “These violent acts are an affront to Malawi’s Constitution and worldwide human rights commitments, signalling an alarming shift towards political intolerance and lawlessness.

“The President’s inaction in publicly condemning political violence is deeply concerning. As the first citizen, the President is entrusted with setting the tone for national unity and ensuring the protection of peace”.

Worried NAP, “This silence creates a management vacuum, diminishing efforts to discourage violence and threatening the soundness of Malawi’s democratic processes.

“The Malawi Police Service has failed to act decisively and impartially, as evidenced by its inaction in
Ndirande, Lilongwe, and other hotspots”.

Adds NAP, “This selective enforcement of the legislation emboldens perpetrators of violence whereas fostering public mistrust in state establishments.

“Police officers, sworn to uphold the Constitution, must not become silent spectators to criminal acts, as this dereliction of duty threatens national peace and security”.

NAP additionally observes the troubling inaction of the Peace and Unity Commission, whose mandate to mediate
conflicts and promote concord is being undermined.

“The Commission’s failure to address rising political
tensions risks exacerbating violence and destabilizing the electoral process, leaving a dangerous vacuum in
peacebuilding effort,” reads the assertion.

NAP urges Police, “The Malawi Police Service should urgently arrest and prosecute these answerable for political violence in Ndirande and different areas.

“The Inspector General must ensure that all police officers act independentl and professionally to protect citizens regardless of political affiliation”.

NAP appeals, “Peace and Unity Commission should instantly intervene, mediate conflicts, and lead initiatives to stop additional political violence.

“Political leaders should chorus from inflammatory rhetoric and as a substitute publicly condemn violence inside their ranks and maintain their supporters accountable for actions that violate the legislation. Citizens should be reminded of their constitutional duties to respect others’ rights and keep away from violence.

NAP requires strengthening democratic norms, “Stakeholders, together with NECOF, should guarantee dialogue and respect for democratic rules to revive public belief within the electoral course of.

“NAP commits to fast-track engagement with the President, police and political party top leadership to address the root causes of political violence and agree on strategic policy direction to prevent further incidents”.

NAP categorically condemns the violence in Ndirande and different areas as a direct assault on Malawi’s democracy and peace.

NAP appeals, “We urge the President, Malawi Police Service, the Peace and Unity Commission, and political leaders to act decisively to safeguard constitutional freedoms and ensure a peaceful environment for the 2025 general elections. The time to act is now—Malawi’s future depends on it”.