Malawi religious violence over Hijab:  Muslims demolish church, Christians destroy mosque in Mangochi

November 4, 2019 Zawadi Chilunga - Nyasa Times 95 Comments

A Sheikh and other people have been injured as violence returned to eastern lakeshore district of  Mangochi after an Anglican run school authorities sent back two girls in Hijab leading to destruction of a church and a mosque.

Mosque destroyed by Christians

The M1 road at Mangochi turn off has been blocked by warring Muslims and Christians who are standing on either side of the road fighting.

This follows a decision by radical Muslims who defied the Anglican church order not to allow head scarf Hijab wearing during classes at Mmanga primary school and Mmanga Community Day Seconday School.

After the authorities of the school sent back the girls to remove the Hijab, a Muslim gear, Muslims descended on the Anglican church, demolishing it completely as well as the house of an Anglican priest.

The angry Muslims also threw out from a house belongings of a teacher, telling him to leave the premises.

In retaliation, Christians mobilized themselves against the Muslim attack and they have completely demolished a mosque.

For the whole morning a good number of shops at the Mangochi trading Centre remained closed.

Police fired tear-gas to quell the situation and are patrolling the area.

The issue started a few weeks ago and  when the communities thought it was resolved the Church closed the school a decision which has continue to cause tension.

The authorities in the district have been to school on several occasions to try and mediate  the two groups but to no avail.

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95 replies on “Malawi religious violence over Hijab:  Muslims demolish church, Christians destroy mosque in Mangochi”

  1. kodi iwowo osamanga ma school awo bwanji? ali busy kumanga miziki paliponse kukanika kumanga ma school

  2. Komatu Moslems watch out timakupatsani ulemu. Do you know that you violate other peoples rights with the noise you make during most hours of the day including very hours of everyday. Munthu wanu wokuwa uja amatisokoneza. we just give you resect otherwise it pains anthu kukanika kugona

    2. Pamene inu belu likulira ku church, simutisokoneza? Ngati mukufunaso mudzitisokosera mudzipemphera every day

  3. Asilamu, respect Christians as we christians respect muslim. I can not take pork to Islamic school. That will be provocation. As I do not expect a muslim to wear hijab at an Anglican school or catholic school or any pentecostal school.

  4. I think Muslim should be there tolerant enough, they exaggerate things. They lack love.

    Malawi is not an Islamic state.

    She follows a secular Constitution. Why are they barbaric?

  5. My take on this issue is that if the school was constructed by Anglican Church, but now it government running the affairs of school including renumerating teachers and provision of learning materials, then that is a public entity unless otherwise. Therefore, in this regard, it is the duty of government to tell us if there is any policy pertaining to this issue at hand. Me I don’t see anything wrong for Muslim students to put on their hijabs at public schools.

    2. Why can’t the moslem community build schools along side their mosques like other religions do?

  6. PAC has a brilliant answer for this kkk.People of the same tribe cannot start warring each other on religious issues.This is a petty issue kkk.
    This needs maturity to solve it kkkk.And it has nothing to do with Politics here.Mtundu umodzi.In the end anthuwa athamangitsirana mipingo kuti mpingo uwoo usadzaoneke kuno ndithuuu KKKK.Awa ndimavuto a PAC posagwira ntchito mwaumulungu kkk

  7. this is bad ,u cant make ur own rules with other people’s property and its matter of choice if the muslim famllies wants there children to go to this school first they have to accept whatever the own of that particular school wants muthu sugapite ku school yachisalamu ndumakaminula kumeneko i dont think ogakhaleko sometimes you even change ur surname to be one them so that u can access their education.

  8. Are Christian children allowed in Moslem schools.? And if so would they go there and the dictate on how the school should be run.? Would they go there and change the dress code? Please let’s be logical.

    1. Well said! Muslims want to impose their culture and drsseing codes to other non-muslim people but don’t accept that someone dennies them to follow dress codes from others. Why?

  9. First and foremost, those moslems must know that Malawi’s life style is based on CHRISTIANITY, therefore it makes Malawi, a Christian country. We can express and exercise our values of Christianity anytime and anywhere we want in Malawi. And it is tolerant and good enough to allow them in our schools, but to let them disrespect our values by vandalising our properties is way too tolerant. I think a lesson needs to be taught.

  11. I see people missing the point. The issue is that there are private schools belonging to either Islam or Christianity and students are asked to dress the way the school want. However, the problem comes when the school uses public resources such as teachers, material, financial plus community resources where community mobilize construction materials. Where Christianity or Islam has done nothing in terms of developing the school apart from collecting house rentals from the houses constructed by the government or the community and then you ask the same people to either put on hijub or remove hijub. Let us learn to be understanding people. And if are to report let us say the truth and be honest among ourselves.

  12. To begin with, we can do with better reporting. In this article there is a mix up of places. In one instant it talks of Mangochi and in the next it is Mangochi Turn Off. I know this place, it lies a few kilometres after Mangochi Turn Off as you travel from Liwonde to Balaka. It is not in Mangochi, it is near Mangochi Turn Off. Mangochi is far from this place and it should not be associated with this story.

    Secondly, it is not wrong for muslims to send their children to Christian schools, BUT they need to accept that the owners of the schools have their own systems which have to be followed by WHOEVER decides to join such schools. Anyone who does not agree with the rules of the place can only do one of two things: follow them for the sake of getting an education, or avoid joining such a school. They should not, under any circumstances, try to bring their own rules or force the owners to change the rules. Christians do not agree with the rules and systems in muslim schools, so they simply don’t send their children there. Why can’t the muslims do likewise? My brothers in Islam listen – if you don’t like the things I do in my home, don’t come. It’s as simple as that. Note also that this is not a Government school where you can claim co-ownership. This is an investment, it belongs to the Anglican Church and you have to accept that the Anglican Church has to make the rules. Was the church wrong to allow you to send your children there? Now you want to make the rules? I for one don’t see why you cannot understand the simple fact that IT IS NOT YOUR PLACE THEREFORE YOU HAVE NO SAY THERE! Vuto lanu leni-leni ndi chani?

  14. Inu a CHAWA inu why can’t you build your own schools rather building more Mosques. At Mangochi Turn Off alone there are more than four Mosques. Build schools not Mosques so that your girls can peaceful put on Buyibuyis

  15. I wonder if a christian girl child would be allowed to learn at an Islamic school without wearing a Hijab. The selfishness of some of these foreign Arabic religions is breathtaking. First of all, why do we even want to act like Arabs in the first place? Just take a look at where these slave traders come from, all there is is violence, suicide bombings, beheadings, people getting thrown off rooftops, gangrape, murder, cutting off of hands, burning alive of fellow human beings. Surely Africans can copy better things than this nonsense.

  17. PLEASE MUSRIMS LEAVE ANGLICAN SCHOOLS IF YOU WANT NOT TO REMOVE YOUR HIJARBS THERE ARE ALOT OF MUSRIM SCHOOLS OUT THERE, GO TO THOSE SCHOOLS.WHY ARE YOU BRINGING ABOUT VIOLENCE.AINT YOU THE SAME ONES THAT CLAIMS THAT MUSRIMS ARE THE MOST PEACEFULL PEOPLE IN THE WOLRD

  18. Completely demolished the mosque and yet in the picture theres a complete structure standing only missing glasses, thats not good reporting. Good reporting should give a clear view of the story don’t exaggerate. That kind of reporting can fuel fighting! Abwana amuluzi amangothamanga kuchulukitsa mizikiti kuiwala ma school awo?

  19. Look at China …they have their Budha,India Hindu…Arabs ,Jews onsewa Zimatowayendera….But Africans kutengeka…How did we Abandon Chisumphi ,Namalenga …was it because of Salt ,Sugar ….Or is it that Our Ancestors’ lack of Keeping Written Records…. Zoti Mvula Yimatobwera Pompopompo ….kungotha kupereka msembe …basi yambanipo kujoga…Whatever Religion or Beliefs one has its Your Own Truth….But just looking at Africa ….Zinthu Zobwerazi zitopangisa mapokoso koopsa ndi Ulesi…Let’s be Very Inquisitive about Our past and Learn Some Love from Chipembedzo Chamakolo…UMUNTHU.

    1. Nalingula. Good discussion but even today in 2019 very close to 2020, it would sound too critical. Many of us are naïve. We do not question the root causes. Am with you!

  20. SONS OF GOD AND HIS SON JESUS CHRIST, nobody will make sons of Malawi,neglect their real religion of CHRISTIANITY and join ISLAM,the SATANIC so called religion.Malawians,I have been advising you to stay away from these barbaric and uneducated thugs of Islam and some of you took me as a racist.However,these thugs are the front line of the GIHADS who are preparing themselves to intrude In the Christian socieities in Malawi and Mozambique and there on,start to infiltrate in the local people using OIL DOLLARS.My brothers and sisters from the NORTH,CHECKOUT and do not give land or plots to these killers,you have seen what these thugs are doing to our brothers and sisters of MANGOCHI.Yuo are facing these problems because former President Bakili Muluzi,opened the gates for these KILLERS!!!!!!!!!!

  21. And yet akuzitchula kuti ndi ana a Mulungu ofuna chipulumutso. No sense. Za aluya izi. Tamauzani ana anu komwe zinachokera. Sizathu izi. Why fighting? A waste of time! Anzanu akuphunzitsa inu mukumenyana. Umbuli basi. Wake up! Malawians don’t waste time ndi zikhulupiriro zopanda phindu pa moyo wanu.

  22. Mtopola a Silamu. Sukuluyi ndi yanu kodi? Bwanji osamanga yanu where there will be 100% hijabu and mikhwanjo. Ntchito kuyambana ndi a Khirisitu.

  23. All schools.have a uniform and dress code its got nothing to do with religion or discrimination if you signed up to that school it means that you have accepted to wear the school uniform so i really dont understand what the fuss is all.about if a.christian was to eneoll into a.muslim high school they would have to adhere to that schools dress code

    1. To ignorant people who do not know anything like you, can conclude so, go back and do a lot of research about Islam. People are falling to sleep with it. Ask your leaders they will tell you. You are able to read and write, do the research yourself and make a conclusion.

  25. One stupid thing moslem do is take their religion to schools. If they want hijab let them build their own schools. Moslems have their own schools yet no christian goes there because they can not conform to their fanatism.

    2. Mtambo started boss. He has taught and sharpened Malawians to resolve disagreements with riots, vengeance, rooting, rape, arson and murder.

  28. Here we go again! What is it with Muslims and violence? Ever since its beginning Islam has resorted to violence to promote and defend its beliefs. Is Allah in the least concerned whether a girl/woman wears a hijab or not? Surely religion is a matter of mind and heart, not what is worn on the body.

    1. Achiswe you are chisuru uneducated scum talking nonsense go and learn Islam than you will know what is Islam in your words Christians can do anything but if Moslems do slight things they are scums I bet you have never been to school or else you wouldn’t talk nonsense I feel sorry for you

      1. if islam was real u wouldnt call someone chitsiru just because he is saying something about ur religion …

      2. I think between you and Achiswe to my observation its you Altaf Sattar who is stupid and foolish.The Muslims are wrong here.Lets face the facts,that school is owned by Anglican and if any parent want to enroll her?his child they need to adhere to the laws and regulations of the school.Muslims in Mangochi are the most retilate people in Mangochi because they are just focusing on Madrasa than education.Its high time to advice these people to send their children to school than sending then to South Africa without education.

      3. I am failing to understand you why using words like Chitsiru and uneducated. Please sober up in your discussions and we will be able to follow your arguments.

  29. Ha ha ha ha ha,yet both claims to be holy people of God aka Allah.Simple matters that could have been discussed amicably,turned into violence.Dziko la MALAWI LILIKULAMULIDWA NDI MBWAMBWANA KKKKK.Kuukirana mitundu ndimitundu kkkk.

  30. What is needed now is to go and raid the whole Mangochi district and send away all the Yaos to Zanzibar to settle. That’s where their slave trade master Salim bin Abdallah also known as Jumbe came from.

  32. What is government policy on dress code for primary schools? This is what happens when you have no leadership in the country, instead the clown in chief and most of his cabinet including his billionaire guard commander is on another “victory tour” in Blantyre whilst the country is burning. He ought to be ashamed of himself. There has never been a more lame duck president in Malawi than the lame duck APM.

    1. Uyuyu ndi wa Yufi woluza akulira guys mtayeni atitayitsa nthawi. nkhani yakeyi siikugwirizana ndi mutu wa nkhaniwu

  36. Is this a government funded school?
    What does the law of the land say with regards to students wearing hijab to school?

  38. Muslims are always a problem all over the world because of their ignorance, they don’t know the difference between religion and government. Cultures of lhomwes or Zulus allows virgins to lay bare their breasts but they can’t force their girls to go to school topless and say it’s their culture. Catholics wear roseries (korona) on their knecks as a sign of their religion but they can’t demolish a school if a teacher tells them to take it off before classes. Why would one force a child to wear in a way that will show his/ her superiority or inferiority among others in the name of culture or religion? That’s stupid and silly because those cultures are not malawian or african but middle-eastern then why would a malawian kill another malawian because of a culture or religion that was imposed on him by somebody who always regard you as a subhuman, damn it?

    1. Most people in our country lack knowledge,, we have a lot of educated people but their brain functions like that of a new born baby ,it’s very sad that at this time we still hold on to things that was brought to us and leave our own humanity,like 👀 really what’s wrong with us?

    2. This is long text but with no sense, malawi constitution says nothing about dressing as far as code dressing concerned , this means everybody has right to dress the way he/she pleases, stupidity is the someone who thinks muslim are less knowledgeable people, this is morden era and stop thinking backward, in additional to that mr Martin, islam and Christianity are foreign religions so dont think Christianity owns this country then you are playing.Ill speaking will never solve this disagreement. Dont forget you pay tax as we do so no one is superior here. Muslims are the ones who pay much taxes here to develop this country cos big businesses are owned by malawi-indians muslims and huge number of you guys you get employed in those companies incase you never knew , but you will never hear us complaining us to why Christians are occupying our places cos we all belong to beautiful malawi and share a common goal

      1. I think you lack guts. Islam is the Religion associated with slavery here in Malawi hence having slavery minds always. You can not do this in Zambia ask your fellows terrorists there. I love KK who declared Zambia a Christian Republic. Build your schools and do whatever you want. Don’t force others to follow your ill motives. Is God in your hijab? If we get mad you will feel the pitch. Muluzi was busy building mosques not schools. Continue what you are doing and see what comes later….. Idiots

      2. Baba zukuluyi zi yaboma kapena yachinazala. Baba inu munakapemba kuti ana anu azikapunzira ku zukulu za akiristu. Mangani zukulu zanu Baba kuti sisiyendera malamulo anu kapena acha ananuwo asipita ku L.E.A imene ili pafupi pompo. The school is the private poperty of ADUS (Anglican) and you should stick to their code. Nobody forced you to enroll your children their. You voluntarily registered. That is why even before using any software you are asked to confirm and accept the terms, without that you can not use it! And that you did when registering your kids at a Christian school.

        1. Eya sukuluyo si ya boma, koma anakamanga ku malo omwe kuli anthu ambiri a chisilamu ndi cholinga chanji. chikhalidwe chomafuna kuti anthu ena azioneka ngati oziwa kuposa ena, kapena kuti mtundu wina wa anthu ngati ndiwanzeru kuposa ena, kapena kuti Malawiyu ndiwa ka gulu ka anthu ena, ena ayi ndiye zotsalolekazo. Ziwani kuti Malawi anthu analephera kale kuti zofuna zowo azikwanilitse chifukwa choti kumalawi kuno, asilimu anawapeza osati history timawerenga yabodzayi.

          1. inunso kamangeni yanu chifukwa kudelalo sikuti kuli achisilamu okha chifukwa kukanakhala kuli achisilamu okha sibwenzi titamva kuti ena oipidwa ndizimene apanga achisilamu abweza. Asilamu mungani school yanu komweko ndipo anthu adzakhala ndi choice chosankha komwe akufuna kuti ana awo akaphunzire ndipo mudzakhala muntendere.

    1. What if we say Christians shud also work in Christians owned companies, would it be good decision for you?

      2. Christians/Muslim owned company and Christian school are different. You employ someone to work for you coz they are up to the job.

        That being said, would you let a christian come to madrasa and follow their christian ideologies etc?

      3. Do you have the skills? The decision is made by the owner of the company whose aim is to make profits and to prosper and stand in business. One needs skilled personel to do that. Madrassah sikukuthandizani. Inu kwanu ndi ku Joweni basi kumalondera mimzikiti.

  40. All these previous year’s how was the school being administered, was they allowed to dress in hijab clothing?

    1. MARTIN,u are talking nonsense when u say muslims are a problem.i dont think u know where this is coming from.why of all the schools in Malawi only this school has from nowhere started to ban islamic girls from wearing Hijabs.?did u ask if they were wearing them b4 or they just woke up that day and wear Hijab booom on the way to scchool.??

      1. @ Abdul, read the story it says what happened. Kodi mnyumba munthu ukati this is the rule in my house can someone overrule that? If you do not fit in you do not start a fight. You assimilate or move to where you can fit in. Moving the kids to a Muslim school could of solved the issue.

      2. why do you make Christians follow your terrorist rules in your Schools? Are you superior? NONSENSE. You can not do that at James Chiona Catholic School, Our Lady of Wisdom. Who are you to dictates matters admimistration

  41. The source of this disorder lies with the Anglicans. They have no legal right to ban the hijab. The Muslims should have got a court order against them to allow the garment to be worn in class. By posting this it does not mean that I like the hijab.

    1. @ C Banda

      Why do you Moslems think that you are always right and that your will should always prevail?. There is something terribly and seriously wrong with you fellow Malawians and your religion. Sadly you fellow Malawians don’t know that there is something seriously wrong with you and your belief. You are over stretching and offending other faiths and this is simply too dangerous. Not long ago you were fighting pork sellers. Last month you damaging property belonging to bar owners. Today you are up in arms against Anglicans. Seriously there is something seriously wrong with you countrymates. You need to sobber up. Religion is not everything in one’s life and it is not the sole determinant of our way of life.

      2. You are talking on the other side of the coin and not on Islamic concept of view. Unless you enter a house, it is only when you can make a good judgement of inside appearance of that house. Then how can you say anything of Islam while you do not know anything at all.

    2. Did the moslem allow christians to go to their school without their dressing codes plz zinazo tisamangonenana .kuno ku blantyre school ya silamu amakuuzilatu kuti ngati mwana wanu afuna malo kuno let accept our rules like wearing hijab or chikofia in class. let the moslem nawonso atsatile malamulo a kristu.

        1. whoever allowed this chisilamu in malawi was asking for trouble. These are not peaceful people anywhere in the world.

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