LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) has warned that it will organise nationwide demonstrations if government operations continue to move in the wrong direction.
HRDC Chairperson, Michael Kaiyatsa, said the organisation is prepared to take to the streets because peaceful protests are a constitutional right in Malawi.
He emphasised that the coalition’s primary objective is to ensure that duty-bearers fulfill the promises they made to Malawians.
Kaiyatsa said HRDC will not hesitate to mobilise citizens if leaders ignore the concerns and needs of the very people who put them in office.
He added that the organisation’s responsibility is to hold public officials accountable, especially when service delivery is poor or when governance commitments are abandoned.
According to Kaiyatsa, demonstrations remain one of the most effective tools for citizens to demand transparency and action from their leaders.
He explained that if those in authority fail to act in the public interest, HRDC is ready to remind them of their obligations through lawful protests.
Last Saturday, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) issued a statement distancing itself from any upcoming demonstrations planned by civil society.
The party said it will not support activities by organisations whose intentions, in its view, are likely to disturb peace and stability in the country.
DPP argued that while citizens have the right to protest, such actions must not be used to create unnecessary tension or insecurity.
The party further stated that it has no intention of aligning itself with groups whose plans may escalate unrest.
HRDC, however, maintains that its intentions are not to cause instability but to demand accountability from public leaders.
Kaiyatsa reiterated that the coalition remains committed to peaceful and lawful means of expressing citizen grievances.
He stressed that Malawians deserve a government that listens, acts, and remains answerable to the electorate.
The emerging tension between HRDC and the DPP highlights a growing political divide on how governance concerns should be addressed.
Observers say the situation could escalate if the government does not provide clear responses to the issues raised by Malawians.
HRDC has assured the public that it will announce its next steps if leaders continue to neglect their duties.
The organisation has also encouraged citizens to remain vigilant and demand better services from public officials.
As the political atmosphere heats up, all eyes now turn to the government’s next move in addressing the growing frustrations among the population.
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