Chakwera Summons Ministers Over Demo Violence, But Critics Cry “Too Little, Too Late”

President Lazarus Chakwera has summoned Minister of Homeland Security Ezekiel Ching’oma and Minister of Defence Monica Chang’anamuno over the June 26 panga-wielding attack on peaceful demonstrators in Lilongwe—an incident that unfolded brazenly under the watch of State security.

According to presidential press secretary Anthony Kasunda, the two ministers briefed the President on “measures being taken” to investigate the violence, following Chakwera’s earlier directive while in Nigeria.

But critics aren’t buying it.

Human rights advocates and political analysts say the President’s move is cosmetic and reactionary—falling far short of the decisive action Malawians expected.

“What is there to investigate when the attackers were caught on camera?” asked political analyst Wonderful Mkhutche. “If the government was serious, arrests would have already been made.”

The backlash is growing. Human Rights Consultative Committee chairperson Robert Mkwezalamba slammed the delay as a dangerous signal of tolerance for impunity.

“The President should have fired the Inspector General and army commander by now. That would show he means business,” he said.

Mabvuto Bamusi of the Political Science Association went further, calling the presidency’s response “a disappointing cover-up” and a “victory for the panga-wielding thugs.”

Even as local and international bodies, including the European Union, condemned the violence and threatened aid cuts, authorities have not made a single arrest. One week later, police claim investigations are still ongoing—despite clear video evidence and eyewitness accounts.

Chakwera may be calling for peace—but critics say peace without justice is just silence.

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