By Burnett Munthali

Alliance for Democracy (AFORD) Vice President Timothy Mtambo took a firm stand at an opposition press conference in Lilongwe, using a proverb to convey his commitment to transparency and justice in Malawi’s political arena. “If you want to know the dog’s owner, walk the dog and you’ll find out,” said Mtambo, suggesting that by closely scrutinizing actions, the true intentions of political leaders become clear.

Addressing the assembled media alongside other opposition leaders, Mtambo emphasized his dedication to defending Malawi’s democracy without fear. Reflecting on the resistance movements of 2019 and 2020, he vowed to continue the same fight this year. “The battle we fought in 2019/2020, we will fight again this year,” he declared.

A primary concern raised by Mtambo was the Malawi Electoral Commission’s (MEC) association with Smartmatic, a technology firm proposed to manage electoral processes. He firmly stated that the opposition will not tolerate any influence that could compromise the fairness of the upcoming elections. “We don’t want bias; this election must be fair for everyone,” he said, emphasizing the opposition’s demand for impartiality and transparency.

Mtambo concluded with a powerful pledge to the nation: “We will die for this country, but not in your hands.” His statement resonated as a call for unity and commitment to democracy, highlighting his unwavering resolve to ensure that Malawi’s upcoming elections are conducted with integrity and free from manipulation.

As the 2025 elections approach, Mtambo’s speech reflects the opposition’s determination to advocate for the interests of Malawians, encouraging a vigilant and engaged citizenry to hold leaders accountable.

By Burnett Munthali

The business environment in Lilongwe has been severely disrupted following violent clashes between protestors planning to stage a demonstration and a group of youths wielding pangas, who have been stopping the protests.

The protest group, which had intended to hold a peaceful demonstration, was confronted by the armed youth, leading to chaos in the central part of the city. The conflict between the two groups has caused significant disruption, halting business activities in the area as shops and markets temporarily closed to ensure the safety of customers and traders.

Currently, the police can be seen observing the situation, but they have not taken any action to intervene as the youth continue to chase off protestors. This inaction has raised concerns about the ability of law enforcement to maintain public order and protect citizens’ right to peacefully assemble.

As the situation unfolds, it is clear that the growing tensions between groups with opposing political views have begun to take a toll on Lilongwe’s business operations, with many wondering when peace and stability will be restored to the capital city.