By Rahim Abdul
The Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) has maintained its plans to hold demonstrations on November 17, 2026, over persistent electricity blackouts and fuel shortages in Malawi.
The decision comes despite the National Registration Bureau of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGORA) removing HRDC from the list of registered non-governmental organisations in the country.
HRDC Chairperson Michael Kayiyatsa confirmed that the organisation had received an official letter from NGORA notifying it of its removal from the NGO register.
Kayiyatsa said the organisation was currently engaging its legal representatives to determine the appropriate course of action following the decision.
However, he stressed that the legal developments would not affect the planned demonstrations scheduled for November 17.
He said HRDC remained committed to proceeding with the protests as part of its efforts to raise concerns over challenges affecting ordinary Malawians.
The planned demonstrations are expected to focus on persistent electricity blackouts and the shortage of fuel, which have continued to affect households, businesses and other sectors of the economy.
Kayiyatsa further questioned the circumstances surrounding the decision to remove the organisation from the NGO register.
He described the development as politically motivated, suggesting that it was intended to frustrate the organisation’s work.
The HRDC chairperson maintained that the organisation would not abandon its responsibility to speak out on issues affecting citizens.
He said the coalition would continue advocating for the rights and welfare of Malawians despite the challenges it was facing.
The November 17 demonstrations are therefore still on course, according to Kayiyatsa, as HRDC maintains its position on the need to address the country’s electricity and fuel challenges.
