Malawi soldiers attacked by protesters: Don’t provoke army, HRDC warned
Malawi Defence Force (MDF) has confirmed that some of its soldiers were attacked by some protesters who were holding a vigil at Karonga Roundabout, when they tried to help motorists who were barred from using the M1 to access the road and reach Songwe Border.
The vigil was being held against Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) chairperson Jane Ansah called by Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC).
MDF soldiers had been providing security after the police were chased.
However, some radical protesters who were blocking access to M1 clashed with MDF soldiers.
The situation turned volatile, with protesters and MDF soldiers engaging in running battles as the security agency tried to open the M1.
Dozens of soldiers were attacked in the process and suffered variable injuries.
Army Commander General Vincent Nundwe confirmed soldiers were attacked in Karonga by civilians.
Nundwe warned protest leaders against any provocation of the officers from the barracks when they come in to maintain security in the country.
He said the Constitution in Section 160 gives the MDF the mandate to provide expertise towards the maintenance of law and order over and above the other roles of defending the sovereignty of the country and the protection of its citizens against armed insurrection.
Army chief said the MDF has acted as back up in shoring up security where police officers were overstretched.
The protesters have often cheered on MDF and heralded the soldiers as heroes whenever they appear at volatile scenes.
However, with the situation in Karonga, the relationship between officers in uniform and civilians during demonstration is likely to be affected.
HRDC vice-chairperson Gift Trapence said the demonstration grouping had cancelled the protests on Thursday and Friday in all cities to allow HRDC leadership meet its legal team in Blantyre to strategise on challenging the injunction that was is restraining the coalition from holding protests in airports and borders.
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Kkkkkkk zoona asilikali kukanthamulidwachonchi? In those days nobody would dare mess around with a soldier.these says they just hire even agwape as long as they are related to the bosses.
A MDF mukuteteza satana. Satanatu alibe bwenzi. Mapeto ake ndi izi.
Demos should stop thats all! Kodi mukuti Jane atule pansi and yet masiku ake atsala pang’ono mpaka apanga retire officially what benefit is it? She said clearly kuti satula until court determination icho mukufuna nchiyani bcoz u say ayi boma sakutiyankha which boma are u talking about since u say APM is not the legitimate president elect. Kodi ignorance yotereyi mukuyitenga kuti? Ngati Jane Ansah anaynkha momveka ndiye amene mukumufunayo kuti ayankhe ndi ndani? I now believe kuti mbuli zophunzira zawononga dziko bcoz u r failing to guide ppo rightly and followers just follow for the sake of it. Shame!!!
koma ma cadet mufera za eni ake ndithu ,inu zoona kuyamba asilikali
This is not Protesters no no no and say no Ndi a DPP aja ama kapanga training ku Ntakataka aja wa we know them
stupid
One thing I know Is that when people are angry and determined, not even a gun scares them, it is the army which should be worried of their reputation not the public. You see that these soldiers with machine guns were attacked by civilians who were not even afraid of the gun. that is what we should be talking about. The Army now has fallen into a trap.
That’s the work of DPP. They mobilised all trouble makers across the country to infiltrate into the demonstrators. We have all the information…
Now you have ignited their anger of the MDF and surely you are going to face it tough during your demos – mwaputa gulu lolakwika guys you and you will pay the price of your action twice as much. For your information these are the signs of the begginning of the end of HRDC demos.
These people are not protesters; they are DPP cadets. You will believe me. Period!
These are D.P.P. cadets.
Graham Zali ndie ndi MBUZITU
Pamenepo sanati