Despite hurdles, Malawi activists keep pressure on government

Activists in the southern African nation of Malawi are holding “stay-in” protests to draw attention to alleged government corruption and inefficiency. People have been asked to stay home from work or school for three days to focus on prayer.

Others are planning a passive demonstration they are calling “Red Wednesday,” encouraging participants to wear red in solidarity with those demanding government reform.

Anti-government activists had initially planned a series of vigils for September 21, but those events were postponed after authorities warned of possible “bloodshed.” While a court ruling endorsed citizens’ rights to demonstrate peacefully, officials refused to provide security, and event organisers feared the rallies could turn violent.

Those concerns were triggered by what happened during the first round of protests in July. Nineteen people were killed after anti-government protesters took to the streets across the nation.

Malawi’s Civil Society Organisations (or CSOs, an organisation of Malawian NGOs) are holding the demonstrations to protest against alleged government corruption and economic mismanagement. Critics blame Malawi’s President Bingu wa Mutharika for multiple problems including fuel and currency shortages, instability in the agricultural sector, nepotism, and even a nationwide shortage of medication.

Opponents also accuse the government of intimidation and violence against opposition activists, with many even holding the president responsible for a number of arson attacks against some of his most outspoken critics.

Following the July 20 protests, the United Nations stepped in to mediate talks between Mutharika and the country’s CSOs. But anti-government participants backed out citing slow progress and intimidation. However, Mutharika did fire his entire cabinet, hiring new advisors including his wife and brother.

On The Stream today we have Katherine Maher who will be discussing her work in Africa. Also joining the show via Skype is Rafiq Hajat, who is the executive director of the Institute for Policy Interaction in Malawi. He is also the founding member of the Malawi chapter of Transparency International.

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