By Rahim Abdul
The Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) has announced plans for nationwide demonstrations on November 17, 2026, to demand the resignation of the Minister of Energy Jean Mathanga over persistent fuel shortages and electricity blackouts.
In a statement dated November 2, 2026, signed by Vice-Chairperson Madalitso Banda and National Coordinator Kelvin Chirwa, HRDC says the demonstrations will take place in the country’s cites of Lilongwe, Zomba and Mzuzu.
The coalition says the planned protests follow weeks of fuel shortages that have left motorists spending long hours in queues at filling stations, while businesses, transport operators and households continue to struggle with unreliable electricity supply.
HRDC accuses Mathanga of failing to demonstrate the leadership and urgency required to address the crisis, despite earlier assurances that fuel supplies will normalise by October 20, 2026.
However, the organisation says the situation has not improved, with motorists still facing difficulties accessing fuel and frequent power outages disrupting economic activities and daily life.
The coalition is demanding the minister’s immediate resignation, as well as concrete and sustainable measures to restore reliable fuel and electricity supplies across the country.
HRDC has maintained that the demonstrations will be peaceful, lawful and unarmed, citing Section 38 of the Malawi Constitution, which guarantees the right to freedom of assembly.
The organisation has also urged Malawians to take part in the protests while calling on the Malawi Police Service (MPS) to respect and protect citizens exercising their constitutional right to peaceful assembly.
