By Wendy Mkandawire
The Human Rights Defenders Coalition, HRDC, has announced that it will proceed with planned peaceful and lawful demonstrations on June 1, 2026, saying the protests are in the best interest of Malawians.
According to HRDC Chairperson Michael Kaiyatsa, the coalition’s objective remains unchanged, to secure concrete, timely, and meaningful action to address long-standing concerns surrounding the Chiweta-Karonga Road.
He said the goal is to protect public safety, promote economic development, and safeguard the well-being of Malawians.
This follows an invitation from Rumphi District Council, HRDC representatives and other civil society organizations attended a meeting on Monday, June 29, 2026, in good faith, expecting to engage constructively with authorities on the matter.
Kaiyatsa said the District Commissioner, who had convened the meeting, did not attend,he noted that the absence meant the meeting could not proceed as anticipated.
“This raised concerns about the commitment of authorities to genuine dialogue on an issue that directly affects the lives and livelihoods of Malawians,” he said.
According to Kaiyatsa, there have been attempts to intimidate or silence citizens and human rights defenders who are advocating peacefully for issues of legitimate public concern.
“Despite these challenges, HRDC remains committed to dialogue and constructive engagement with the relevant authorities,” he added.
The HRDC chairperson further said that members of the HRDC leadership have received threats of arrest, death threats, and other forms of intimidation intended to discourage the lawful exercise of constitutional rights.
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Wendy Mkandawire is a journalist for Leyman Publications based in Lilongwe, Malawi. |
