The Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) Tuesday temporarily suspended its planned demonstrations to block the M1 road from Chiweta to Karonga aimed at forcing the government to commence the renovation of the key economic corridor.
Speaking to Radio Islam, the organization’s leader Michael Kaiyatsa said although the road construction work was indeed important, they made this decision after consultations with various people. He said his organisation has made some discussions with communities, traditional leaders, religious leaders, civil society organisations, transport operators and other stakeholders.
He said HRDC is open to more consultations and legal guidance after stakeholders expressed different views on the planned demonstrations that were scheduled to take place on Wednesday, 1 July 2026.
Earlier, the HRDC released a statement expressing concerns over the intimidation and threats from different quarters who were against the planned demonstrations. The statement said the leadership of the HRDC was receiving warnings including death threats.
On Saturday, HRDC urged Malawi Police Service to act “professionally, impartially, and strictly within the confines of the Constitution following a statement by the Malawi police service released on Friday warning the HRDC against its planned blockade of the Karonga-Chiweta road as part of its demonstrations.
In a statement released on Saturday signed by the Chairperson Michael Kaiyatsa and National Coordinator Kelvin Chirwa, the HRDC reaffirmed that the planned demonstrations were to be a peaceful exercise of freedom of expression and assembly, rights guaranteed under Malawi’s Constitution.
Meanwhile Kaiyatsa said they thought that it important to engage further and come up with a best way to reach a consensus so that the communities should understand and act in accordance with the law.
The argue that the previous government assurances have not translated into timely action with regard to the renovation of the M1 road hence organised the peaceful demonstrations.
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