Malawi: Violence at CCAP Blantyre Synod 150th anniversary celebrations

Violence erupted during the 150th anniversary celebrations of the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP) Blantyre Synod in Malawi, leading to calls for immediate arrests. Reports indicate that three journalists—Kondwani Nyondo, Francis Chamasowa, and Francis Nkawihe—were assaulted by individuals suspected to be supporters of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) at the venue entrance.

The Public Affairs Committee (PAC) and the Media Institute of Southern Africa (Misa) Malawi Chapter have demanded that authorities investigate the attacks. Misa chairperson Felix Washon raised concerns regarding allegations that police officers witnessed the assaults without intervening, urging an end to impunity for crimes against journalists. PAC also noted that Malawi Congress Party (MCP) officials were targeted and vehicles were damaged during the unrest.

In response to the disturbances, CCAP Blantyre Synod Moderator Right Reverend Missie Kananji Spiki urged politicians to keep partisan conflicts out of places of worship, stating that churches should remain spaces for peace rather than political confrontation. While the DPP has distanced itself from the incident and called for a police investigation, the Malawi Police Service has confirmed that a formal complaint has been received and investigations are underway.