US embassy warns of Malawi ‘large civil disturbance’ as ‘bloodsuckers’ mania spreads
The United States of America embassy in Lilongwe has warned its citizens in Malawi of a ” large civil disturbance ” in the southern region, advising them to take special care when visiting places as the ‘bloodsuckers’ saga is getting out of hand with its recent spread to commercial capital Blantyre .
On Thursday the country recorded two deaths as lynch mobs killed two people in Blantyre, as public hysteria grows over “blood-sucking vampires”.
A message, issued on Thursday to US citizens in the country, warned them to “maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security.”
It advises the US citizens of a “large civil disturbance” disrupting traffic in Blantyre along Chileka Road near the intersection with the M1.
Malawi Police deployed multiple officers and utilized tear gas to disperse the crowd, but tensions remain high, the statement said.
In addition, Police reports a similar disturbance disrupted traffic in and around Kachere Township for several hours and resulted in significant damage to multiple vehicles.
US embassy said the the disturbances are related to fears in the community of persons attempting to steal blood—colloquially called “bloodsuckers.”
“ The U.S. Embassy has advised its staff there is potential for additional unrest in and around Blantyre and Zomba Districts over the next several days – particularly in the evening hours,” reads the statement..
“While these disturbances are not directed at U.S. citizens, you should avoid areas of demonstrations, and exercise caution if in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations.”
The Malawian president, Peter Mutharika, has been visiting parts of the country affected by the vampire scare, trying to prevent the deaths of innocent people.
The UN have blacklisted several districts in Malawi as dangerous zones for staffers and nationals. Earlier this month the UN pulled staff out of two districts in southern Malawi.
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It’s sad that things have gotten this far, any leadership with good sense should have nipped this in the bud weeks ago, but as always the leader is clueless with what to do with every crisis
In Malawi we have a problem of procrastination. Unfortunately, government is crippled by the same problem. The issue of bloodsuckers started like a rumour somewhere in Mulanje. People complained to their leaders in various circles including politics. Only one MP, his name is Kalindo responded in total concurrence with his constituents that what people said was indeed true. But to his surprise this deserved a rebuke from his own party he represents in parliament, DPP. In its rebuke the party accused the alarmed MP that he was promoting rumour mongering and that he needed to stop with immediate effect.
Further to that, the spokesperson of Government, the eloquent Honorable Dausi attacked MCP accusing them of spreading false rumours. Whether this was meant to discredit the innocent party in its drive to win the by-elections only them knew. However, as we all know MCP won 5-1 although this was no worth of news headlines on MBC. So, amidst this confusion, reports of mob justice started to pour from Nsanje, Chiradzulu, Thyolo, Thyolo and Phalombe.
In response to the confusion, donors started to pullout from these districts as their staff were unsafe to operate in communities where the very people they wanted to serve we extremely traumatized. This is perhaps what forced our president to act. But this was too late and he had no idea what to do. He should not have waited that long especially when people expected his statement anytime sooner. His meetings with the victims were well publicized even on radio and national TV, but of course the very same victims had to dance and wagged their waists before the smiling president. This was done for free and simply a norm; but nothing wrong in his view. It was simply an honour, he thought.
As he paraded the victims to narrate the story one would think something tangible would follow, but the end was so disturbing, disappointing and chocking. The conclusion was that all those people were wrong and deserved arrest and imprisonment for spreading false rumours and causing panic amongst innocent Malawians. However, the innocent women and men knew what had attacked them. They had seen what had drained them of their precious blood. All of them were not children; they are of age and could not possibly think of lying to the president. There is no way they could have met and decided to collude on spreading false rumours. They have their own wrongs as people, yes, but certainly not capable of fooling anyone; at least not the head of state.
So, the story ended, no way forward. But people have dared and sworn to keep protecting themselves and they seem not give in to anyone. Not even the police. They are staying awake the whole night and cannot fully enjoy their life; at least not the peace that John Chilembwe fought for. But even the police know that their job is becoming dangerous like what happened in Chileka, Blantyre. So people are still waiting and hoping for the day when freedom will appear. May be soon, but could take longer. Not as long as we have this myopic and clueless DDP led Government. Nada
The president must resign. How can he be believing in witchcraft in the 21st century? And you entrust that kind of person to lead 18million people?
Weak president, weak police. You tell me the police cannot deal with the situation? What is wrong with Malawi.
Just arrest these fools and do not give them bail.
This is pure criminal!1
Very sad, this stifles development and will have a long-term effect on the economy and the people. Thi is an urgent matter of public security and must be curbed immediately as the nation has already descended into anarchy.