By Apengie Apengire
From 2014 to 2019, Malawi witnessed a chilling wave of violence targeting some of its most vulnerable citizens—people with albinism.
Under the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) leadership, this brutal trend of killings resurfaced with alarming frequency, sparking fear and outrage across the nation. Innocent lives were mercilessly taken in acts fueled by superstition and ignorance, yet the government’s response was widely seen as inadequate.
This pattern of violence seemed to dramatically shift when the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) assumed power in 2020, bringing a relative calm that many Malawians had longed for. The question now haunting the nation is why, barely seven months into the DPP’s return to power, such lethal chaos and insecurity have re-emerged with a vengeance.
The period from 2014 to 2019 was marred by a series of horrific murders targeting people with albinism. These killings, often motivated by witchcraft beliefs and the lucrative trade in body parts, left communities traumatized and vulnerable groups living in constant fear. During this time, the DPP government was criticized for its failure to protect these citizens effectively.
Despite calls for stronger law enforcement and public education, the violence persisted unabated. The DPP’s inability or unwillingness to curb these crimes raised uncomfortable questions about the government’s role in either tacitly allowing or outright failing to address these atrocities.
When the MCP took office in 2020, there was a noticeable decline in such attacks. For the first time in years, Malawi could breathe a sigh of relief as the brutal killings of people with albinism became a thing of the past.
The MCP government implemented more robust protective measures, increased police presence in vulnerable communities, and launched awareness campaigns to combat harmful myths. This period marked a hopeful turning point, demonstrating that political will and focused action could bring about real change in the country’s security landscape.
However, the return of the DPP government in 2026 has once again plunged Malawi into a troubling state of insecurity.
Just seven months into their rule, reports have surfaced of elderly people being brutally killed over accusations of witchcraft—a tragic echo of the dark past. According to community sources, dozens of older individuals have lost their lives in recent months, with some estimates suggesting that as many as 40 elderly people have been victims of these violent acts.
In a particularly gruesome incident just a fortnight ago, seven individuals were mercilessly murdered over allegations of stealing male private parts—a disturbing reflection of the persisting influence of harmful superstitions and the failure of state security.
The police, under the current DPP administration, have been accused of failing to provide adequate protection or respond decisively to these crimes.
This apparent lack of security has left many Malawians bewildered and fearful. Why do such horrific acts seem to coincide with the DPP’s governance? What is it about this party’s rule that appears to allow these killings to resurface with such frequency and brutality?
Malawians are demanding answers. The DPP owes the nation a clear explanation for the resurgence of such violence. It is no longer acceptable for these incidents to be dismissed as isolated or inevitable.
The pattern is unmistakable, and the people are right to suspect that the DPP understands the root causes but is either unwilling or unable to address them effectively. The contrast with the MCP’s tenure, during which these killings were almost entirely absent, only deepens the suspicion and frustration.
The pervasive fear gripping communities today is palpable. People who once felt safe under the MCP government now live in dread, wondering who might be next. This insecurity threatens not only individual lives but also the social fabric of Malawi, as trust in the government’s ability to protect its citizens erodes.
Some voices in the country are now calling for a bold step: a national referendum to decide whether the DPP should continue to govern.
This unprecedented move reflects the desperation many feel as they watch violence spiral out of control. The question on everyone’s lips is whether Malawi can afford to wait until the situation deteriorates further before making a decisive change.
Many are urging that before it is too late, the people be given the opportunity to express their will—whether they want President Mutharika and the DPP to remain in power or to return to the leadership that once brought a measure of peace and hope.
The resurgence of violent killings under the DPP is more than a coincidence; it is a crisis demanding urgent attention. The party must confront these issues transparently and act decisively to restore safety and confidence among Malawians.
Until then, the shadow of violence will continue to hang over the nation, fueled by fear and unanswered questions.
