Muslim Hijab sparks controversy in Mangochi: Malawi govt, community tussle, school closed

A fight has ensued between government and communities in the area of Traditional Authority Namwera in the Muslim district of Mangochi following the decision by the State to close down a primary school to enforce learners not to wear Hijab during school days.

Meanwhile, communities, through Chidothi and Company lawyers, have obtained a court injunction overturning government’s decision.

Government this week decided to close down Mama Khadija primary school after communities disputed the decision to stop Muslim pupils wearing Hijab during school days.

An attempt by government to enforce the decision on communities met a strong resistance in an area dominated by Muslims who hold their religion with high regards, leaving the school authorities and the State with no option but to temporarily shut down the learning institution.

However, on Wednesday the communities through their lawyers obtained an injunction at the High Court in Zomba to allow the school to be reopened.

Nyasa Times’ efforts to speak to Ministry of Education officials were fruitless as the issue was pushed on from one office to the other.

Mangochi is highly dominated by Muslims and there have been series of controversies and riots bordering on religious conflicts.

The people in the district are accusing the government of Islamophobic attacks.