By Burnett Munthali
The Malawi Congress Party (MCP) has strongly condemned the recent episode of political violence that erupted on Sunday in Mponela, Dowa District, labeling it a dangerous threat to the country’s democratic fabric.
In a statement released to the media, the party expressed deep concern over the incident, while simultaneously questioning the circumstances surrounding the violence and the possibility of it being premeditated.
MCP National Publicity Secretary Jessie Kabwila voiced the party’s skepticism, suggesting that the timing and coverage of the incident may point to a staged event rather than a spontaneous outbreak of violence.
Kabwila particularly noted with surprise that certain individuals seemed to have been strategically positioned to take photographs and contact media houses during the violent episode.
She described this as unusual behavior during a genuine moment of crisis and hinted that it could be part of a broader scheme to tarnish the party’s image or manipulate public sentiment.
Despite the disturbing nature of the incident, Kabwila emphasized that the MCP will refrain from making further comments on the matter until a full investigation has been conducted.
She stressed that the party remains firmly committed to upholding peace, non-violence, unity, and the democratic principles that form the cornerstone of Malawi’s political system.
The MCP’s call for calm was echoed by Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) Executive Director, Gift Trapence, who urged law enforcement agencies to treat the matter with the urgency it deserves.
Trapence appealed to the Malawi Police Service to expedite their investigations and ensure that those behind the violence are brought to justice without delay.
He also called upon all political parties across the spectrum to take a firm stand against any form of violence and instead promote peaceful coexistence in the lead-up to the general election scheduled for 16th September.
According to Malawi Police Service spokesperson Peter Kalaya, investigations into the Mponela violence are already underway.
Kalaya assured the public that those identified as perpetrators will face the full weight of the law.
As Malawi approaches a critical election period, the need for political maturity, restraint, and genuine commitment to democratic ideals becomes ever more pressing.
The events in Mponela serve as a stark reminder of the fragility of peace and the dangers posed by politically motivated violence, whether real or orchestrated.
MCP’s cautious but firm response, along with the calls from civil society and law enforcement, signals a collective determination to protect Malawi’s democratic gains from the threats of division and disorder.
The nation now waits to see whether justice will be delivered swiftly, and whether all political players will choose the path of peace over provocation in the weeks ahead.
