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01/07/2025

Chilumpha dares to face Chakwera, others in presidential race

Former Vice President Dr. Cassim Chilumpha has officially entered the 2025 presidential race, becoming the 15th candidate to collect nomination papers ahead of the highly anticipated September 16 election.

Chilumpha, who leads the Assembly for Democracy and Development (ADD), picked up his nomination papers today, according to the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) Director of Media and Public Relations, Sangwani Mwafulirwa.

He joins a growing list of contenders, including incumbent President Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, Milward Tobias, Adil James Chilungo, Kondwani Nankhumwa, Akwame Bandawe, Joyce Banda, Atupele Austin Muluzi, Reverend Hardwick Kaliya, Arthur Peter Mutharika, Frank Tumpale Mwenifumbo, Dalitso Kabambe, Kamuzu Walter Chibambo, Smart Swira, and David Mbewe.

Meanwhile, MEC has reminded all aspiring candidates and political parties that the submission of nomination papers for presidential, parliamentary, and local government elections will take place concurrently from July 24 to July 30, 2025.

Reported by Chisomo Banda-LILONGWE
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28/06/2025

Tribute concert honors late Spyral Mwenya

Music lovers and creatives from all walks of life are gathering this afternoon at the MoneyMen ground in the commercial city of Blantyre for a special memorial show dedicated to the life of the late hip hop artist and graphic designer, Kennedy Spyral Mwenya.

This memorial show is happening today, June 28, 2025, as a heartfelt tribute to the late Hip Hop artist's life, music, and creative legacy.

This event marks a year since Spyral Mwenya's untimely passing in a road accident last year.

The memorial show will feature powerful performances of Spyral Mwenya's iconic tracks, including his popular song "Ndimaganiza Bho".

Some of the artists expected to perform includevTsar Leo, Afana Ceez and Tuno.

Born Kennedy Mwenya on June 13, 1995, Spyral was a talented Hip Hop artist and graphic designer from Blantyre.

He gained recognition for his unique lyrical style and versatile delivery, particularly as a member of the rap duo Proud. His 2021 LP "HIGH HOPES" received widespread acclaim, solidifying his position in Malawi's music scene.

Reported by Steven Mwamlima-ZOMBA
Our News Platform Mw

27/06/2025

27/06/2025

Calls for accountability shake Malawi ahead of elections

What began as a peaceful demonstration on June 26, 2025, quickly descended into violence and chaos in capital city Lilongwe after police fired teargas to disperse protesters demanding the resignation of Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) Chairperson Annabel Mtalimanja.

The demonstrations, organized by relentless human rights campaigners under the banner, Citizens for Credible Elections (CCE), were aimed at holding MEC officials accountable ahead of the upcoming September 16th elections.

Protesters accuse MEC leadership of mismanaging past electoral processes and fear a repeat of the same failures.

But the peaceful march took a dark and terrifying turn when groups of machete-wielding youths some masked and unidentified, invaded the venue, chasing anyone suspected of being part of the protest. In scenes described by witnesses as “barbaric,” protesters, including prominent activist Sylvester Namiwa, were assaulted in broad daylight.

What has sparked even greater public outrage is the apparent inaction by police and military officers who were visibly present but failed to intervene as violence erupted.

Despite efforts by the police to disperse the crowd using teargas, their failure to prevent or halt the attacks by the armed groups has drawn fierce condemnation.

According to eyewitnesses, law enforcement simply stood by as protesters were assaulted and property destroyed including the torching of two vehicles at Lilongwe Community Centre Ground.

In a strongly worded statement, the Malawi Law Society (MLS) demanded the immediate dismissal of Homeland Security Minister Ezekiel Ching’oma and Inspector General of Police Merlyn Yolamu.

MLS Chairperson Davis Njobvu described the event as a "shocking dereliction of duty", accusing both officials of violating the constitutional right to peaceful assembly.

Quoting Sections 153(4) and 154(4)(a) and (b) of the Malawi Constitution, Njobvu argued that the President has the authority to remove the Inspector General for incompetence and failure to ensure national security.

“Failure to act in defense of citizens’ rights, especially in a volatile political climate, cannot and should not go unpunished,” said Njobvu.

The MLS's demands come amid growing silence from President Lazarus Chakwera, who has yet to publicly comment on the escalating violence.

Civil society organizations, opposition parties, and religious bodies have all called for immediate investigations and decisive action.

The Public Affairs Committee (PAC) also condemned the attacks and security forces’ failure to act.

In a joint statement, Chairperson Monsignor Patrick Thawale and Spokesperson Bishop Gilford Matonga described the acts as “barbaric” and an affront to democracy.

PAC noted the disturbing contradiction between the Malawi Police Service’s prior assurances of peaceful policing and the actual conduct of officers during the protest.

“Even if demonstrations were organized by those in opposition, it does not give freedom to those in power to stifle peaceful protests,” the PAC statement read.

Similarly, the United Democratic Front (UDF) issued a harsh rebuke, calling the torching of vehicles and threats to demonstrators a threat to constitutional freedoms.

UDF Publicity Secretary Dyson Jangia demanded urgent investigations and arrests, warning that such intimidation tactics undermine the democratic values the party has upheld since 1994.

Prominent activist and influencer, Pemphero Mphande took to social media to express outrage, drawing chilling parallels to past political violence in Malawi. He recalled being chased by party cadets in 2019 and witnessing the assault on fellow activist Billy Mayaya.

“Today it is Namiwa. Tomorrow, it will be someone else,” wrote Mphande. “We must take power away from the executive and enforce police independence. We cannot keep repeating the same mistakes.”

His impassioned message struck a chord with many Malawians online, calling for systemic reform rather than waiting for ‘better leaders.’

In response to the public outcry, the Independent Complaints Commission has announced an investigation into the beating of Sylvester Namiwa.

Chief Legal Officer Nicely Msowoya confirmed that the commission had received multiple complaints and would pursue the matter.

“If the complaints prove true, it would mean the Malawi Police Service acted contrary to its own policies,” Msowoya said.

He referenced the recently adopted Public Order Management Policy which outlines proper conduct during crowd control.

The Commission pledged to make recommendations to relevant authorities depending on the outcome of its investigations.

Reported by Chisomo Banda-LILONGWE
Our News Platform Mw

27/06/2025

MLS demands dismissal of homeland Security Minister and Police Chief.

The Malawi Law Society (MLS) has added its voice to growing calls for President Lazarus Chakwera to dismiss the Minister of Homeland Security, Ezekiel Ching’oma, and Inspector General of Police, Merlyn Yolamu, over their handling of recent demonstrations.

This follows a violent incident on Thursday in Lilongwe, where peaceful protests organized by the Citizens for Credible Elections were disrupted by machete wielding individuals who attacked demonstrators, including activist Sylvester Namiwa.

Again, two vehicles were also set on fire at the Lilongwe Community Centre Ground.

In a press statement released signed by MLS Chairperson Davis Njobvu, the Law Society expressed serious concern over the apparent inaction of state security forces during the attacks.

Njobvu stated that it was alarming that both the police and the Malawi Defence Force (MDF) stood by and allowed the violence to unfold in their presence.

He further argued that the failure of both the minister and the Inspector General to uphold the Constitution and protect the rights of citizens justifies their immediate dismissal.

Njobvu referenced sections 153(4) and 154(4)(a) and (b) of the Constitution, which place responsibility for police conduct on the minister and grant the president authority to remove the IG for incompetence or lack of impartiality.

Reported by Chisomo Banda-LILONGWE
Our News Platform Mw

26/06/2025

https://youtube.com/shorts/IWDp7d3Hyxw?feature=shared

26/06/2025

https://youtube.com/shorts/rgwUzPjSJww?si=5hEQf_sSiOC9K8sZ

26/06/2025

UDF decries escalating political violence.

The United Democratic Front (UDF) has issued a strong condemnation following a wave of politically charged violence in Lilongwe, which included the torching of two vehicles and direct acts of intimidation.

In a press statement, the party warned that such attacks severely undermine country’s democratic institutions and threaten the fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution.

UDF Publicity Secretary Dyson Jangia revealed that the two vehicles were set ablaze by masked men wielding machetes.

"The targets were individuals intending to take part in a peaceful, lawful demonstration,' reads communication in part.

Jangia emphasized that these actions are not random acts of crime; rather, they appear calculated to silence dissent and intimidate citizens who seek to exercise their democratic freedoms without fear. He further criticized the perpetrators.

He stated: “These acts are not only criminal, they are deliberate attempts to stifle voices that seek peaceful change.”

Again, Jangia urged the Malawi Police Service to take immediate action launch a comprehensive investigation, identify those responsible, and ensure they face justice.

He also appealed to all Malawians to remain composed, respect the rule of law, and unite in rejecting any form of political intimidation or violence.

Reported by Chisomo Banda-LILONGWE
Our News Platform Mw

26/06/2025

The Independent Complaints Commission (ICC), which handles complaints related to police conduct, has reported receiving numerous complaints regarding the assault of Sylvester Namiwa in the presence of police officers.

According to the ICC’s Head of Legal Affairs, Nicely Msowoya, the commission has launched an investigation to determine whether there was any wrongdoing by the officers who were deployed or in the manner the crowd was handled.

Msowoya stated that they expect the police to adhere to the Public Order Management Policy, as well as follow proper crowd control procedures outlined in both the policy and the police operations manual.

He added that based on the findings of the investigation, the commission will present its conclusions to the appropriate authorities.

Reported by Rachel Nkonda Khama-BLANTYRE
Our News Platform Mw

26/06/2025

Malawi poised for AI transformation following 3rd UNESCO Global Forum on AI ethics.

Malawi is set to make strategic gains in Artificial Intelligence (AI) development and ethical governance following its active participation in the 3rd UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, held in Bangkok, Thailand, from June 24 to 25, 2025.

Speaking at a press briefing in Lilongwe, Minister of Higher Education, Hon. Dr. Jessie Kabwila, described the forum as a milestone event that brought together ministers and senior representatives from all 194 UNESCO Member States to foster international cooperation on AI governance.

“It was an honor to represent Malawi and contribute to shaping the global AI agenda, especially from a Global South perspective,” said Dr. Kabwila.

Kabwila highlighted country’s progress in implementing the UNESCO-supported Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) on the Ethics and Governance of AI.

“Malawi is proud to be among 28 African countries that have successfully completed the RAM assessment,” she announced, adding that the Executive Summary Report detailing key findings and recommendations will soon be shared with stakeholders.

Kabwila emphasized pivotal role ofvAI as a tool to eliminate bias and promote inclusion especially across gender, class, and youth.

She said the urgency of early AI adoption to avoid technological lag in the global innovation race.

“This is a visionary initiative to strengthen regional capacity, innovation, and coordination,” she explained.

Kabwila reported strong reception for Malawi’s proposal, which was bolstered by recognition of President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera’s political will to champion digital transformation.

She also noted potential future collaboration with Slovenia, host of the 2nd Global Forum on AI Ethics, to enhance Malawi’s ethical AI leadership.

“This partnership is a promising step toward mutual technological advancement.

“By 2030, AI is expected to contribute over $15 trillion to global GDP. Yet only 10% of this may benefit Global South nations due to delayed adoption and weak infrastructure,” she said.

“This is a wake up call. For Malawi, the path is clear our priority must be rapid, ethical, and inclusive AI integration.”

Again, Kabwila emphasized that Malawi’s AI strategy is in full alignment with the Malawi 2063 Agenda, which focuses on innovation, human capital, and digital transformation.

“As Minister of Higher Education, I am committed to applying AI across key sectors agriculture, mining, education, health, and energy,” she said.

“Education remains the bedrock. We must integrate AI into our curriculum from the earliest stages to prepare our youth for a responsible and prosperous digital future.”


Malawi’s strong showing at the UNESCO forum marks a turning point in its AI journey driven by global engagement, ethical leadership, and a vision for inclusive innovation across Africa.

Reported by Chisomo Banda-LILONGWE
Our News Platform Mw

26/06/2025

JB endorses APM as presidential winner ahead of September 16 election.

Renowned Malawian hip hop artist Jolly Bro, popularly known as JB, who is currently based in the United States of America has thrown his full support behind former president Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika (APM) ahead of much anticipated presidential election set for September 16.

Speaking through his official page, JB declared boldly his unwavering belief that APM is the only leader capable of rescuing the nation from what he describes as the current administration’s failures.

He criticized President Lazarus Chakwera's government as "clueless" and out of touch with the struggles ordinary Malawians are facing.

Using his signature slogan "Mavyete," a Chichewa slang term that loosely translates to "hardships" or "tough times," JB highlighted poor security, the worsening economic conditions, high unemployment rates, and increasing cost of living as signs of the government's incompetence.

He emphasized that young people, who make up a large percentage of Malawi’s population, have suffered the most under the current regime.

“I’m not doing this for money or fame. I’m doing it for Malawi. I’m ready to use my platform and influence to campaign for APM for free because I believe in his leadership and his vision for the country,” JB said.

The artist also urged fellow musicians, influencers, and young voters to rise above party politics and think about the future of the country.

“This is not about party colour, it’s about our nation. Let’s put Malawi first,” he added.

JB’s endorsement comes at a time when political temperatures in the country are rising, and the youth vote is expected to play a crucial role in deciding the outcome of the September 16 election.

Reported by Chisomo Banda-LILONGWE
Our News Platform Mw

26/06/2025

United Transformation Movement-UTM has called for the resignation of Minister of Homeland Security Ezekiel Ching’oma and Inspector General of Police Merlyn Yolamu.

Its leader, Dalitso Kabambe made this call in response to the violence that occurred during demonstrations aimed at pressuring Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) Chairperson Annabel Mtalimanja to step down from her position.

He expressed concern that the violence erupted despite the presence of security forces, who appeared to stand by without taking action.

The demonstrators, who are concerned citizens, are unhappy with MEC’s decision to block political parties from conducting an audit of the electoral systems ahead of the upcoming election scheduled for September 16.