Malawi: Death toll rises to 18 in anti-government protests

[News_Editor]

Malawi: Death toll rises to 18 in anti-government protests

2011-07-22 22:10:08 GMT+7 (ICT)

MZUZU, MALAWI (BNO NEWS) -- The death toll in the recent Malawi anti-government protests has risen to 18, officials said Friday.

The number of deaths was confirmed by Malawi's Minister of Health Henry Chimbali, placing the number at 18, although autopsies had yet been performed, the Maravi Post reported.

According to reports, nine deaths have been registered in Mzuzu - where over 40 others have been hospitalized due to gunshot wounds - six in Lilongwe, two in Blantyre, and one in Karongs. More than 250 people have already been arrested.

Anti-government protests have spread throughout the country, demanding the resignation of President Bingu wa Mutharika, who won the 2004 and 2009 elections. Tens of thousands of Malawians have expressed dissatisfaction over the country's economic situation and governance, while fuel shortages have been creating further tension.

Angry protesters began attacking and beating police officers, while damaging police vehicles. In retaliation, both rubber and live bullets were shot against the protesters, police spokeswoman Norah Chimwala previously stated. People have also been looting shops and smashing vehicles throughout the country.

Mutharika blamed the violent protests on opposition leaders for mobilizing demonstrations against him, and he went on to make an open threat, stating that as leader of the country, he has powers invested in him by the Constitution to ensure peace "using any measure I can think of."

Media coverage has been difficult with three private radio stations - Joy FM, Malawi Institute of Journalism Radio, and Capital Radio - being shut down after the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority took them off the air.

Furthermore, Kingsley Jassi, Blantyre Newspaper journalist, was beaten and arrested for taking pictures of police beating a man. He was released an hour later. Freelance journalist Vitima Ndovi has been reported missing and was last seen being taken into police custody. Meanwhile, BBC correspondent Joel Nkhoma, who had also been reported missing since Wednesday, emerged from hiding.

However, Nyasatimes' reporter Collins Mtika was arrested and remains in custody, while threats from unknown callers toward independent Zodiak Broadcasting Station and Nation Publications in Lilongwe have forced staff members to evacuate their offices.

The United States strongly condemned the use of force by Malawian authorities to prevent peaceful demonstrations, as well as the ban imposed on all private radio stations reporting on the demonstrations, U.S. State Department spokesperson Heide Bronke Fulton said.

"We also are disturbed by reports of violence targeting individuals based on their political or social affiliations. The government's attempt to prohibit its citizens from marching, and the Communications Regulatory Authority's ban on independent media coverage undermine democracy and the rule of law that Malawians cherish."

The U.S. also urged restraint and made note of President Mutharika's remarks at the April 7 Millennium Challenge Corporation signing ceremony in Lilongwe in which he will continue to adhere to and uphold democracy and good governance, freedom of expression, freedom of association.

"In light of continued rioting and rumors of retaliation, we urge restraint from both sides. We call on the people and the Government of Malawi to remain committed to the principles of democracy and to express disagreements through peaceful means."

Minister for Africa, Henry Bellingham of the United Kingdom's (UK) Foreign Office, also condemned the situation and stated that the "unacceptable" violence and reprisals by elements connected to President Mutharika’s Democratic Progressive Party "underline the concern that the UK has expressed about the state of democratic governance and human rights in Malawi." 

"This situation is extremely worrying and I offer my sincere condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives. I urge all parties to show restraint," Bellingham stated. "The rights of free assembly and expression guaranteed under the Malawian Constitution must be respected," he added, calling on President Mutharika to rein in the security forces and elements of his party and to allow the media to report freely on the situation in the country. 

Malawi is one of the poorest countries in the world, with an estimated 75 percent of the population living on less than $1 a day.

President Mutharika first won the presidency as the United Democratic Front candidate in 2004, but after discussions in an anti-corruption campaign, he formed the Democratic Progressive Party, lacking parliamentary majority for the rest of his term. However, he was re-elected in 2009.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-07-22