Malawians Question HRDC’s Silence During MCP Rule: Renewed Activism Sparks Debate

As the Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) resumes their intention to start street protests against the newly elected Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) government led by Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, many Malawians are raising questions about the group’s prolonged silence during the five-year administration of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP).

The HRDC, which rose to prominence during the 2019–2020 demonstrations that challenged Mutharika’s presidency, had been notably inactive during the MCP-led Tonse Alliance government.

This sudden resurgence of activism has left many citizens asking where the movement was when Malawians were facing some of the toughest social and economic challenges in recent memory.

Between 2020 and 2025, Malawi endured multiple crises that left millions struggling. The country experienced acute hunger, with families in Machinga and Balaka reportedly resorting to eating wild beans (“chitedze”) for survival.

The forex shortage led to persistent fuel queues, delayed importation of essential goods, and price spikes on commodities. ADMARC closures and alleged mismanagement of maize stocks, including reports of missing maize trucks, deepened food insecurity. Unemployment and inflation reached record highs, with the cost of living nearly tripling since 2020.

During this period, several controversial incidents occurred that critics say demanded HRDC’s voice. These included the arrest of Anti-Corruption Bureau Director Martha Chizuma, the death of Vice President Dr. Saulos Chilima, and numerous reports of politically motivated violence involving panga-wielding groups allegedly affiliated with the MCP.

Journalists such as Gregory Gondwe faced threats for exposing corruption, while some media outlets were reportedly forced to shut down. Observers are questioning why HRDC remained quiet during such incidents, despite its history of vocal activism under the previous DPP administration.

Social commentators point out that during the DPP era, HRDC organized months of nationwide demonstrations over governance, corruption, and election issues. Yet, the same organization appeared muted when similar or even worse abuses allegedly occurred under the MCP.

“Where was HRDC when civil servants were attacked for attempting demonstrations in Lilongwe, or when activists like Bon Kalindo and journalists faced repeated arrests?” asked one Lilongwe resident. “Why is it only speaking now, when the DPP is back in charge?”

Malawians continue to recall unanswered questions from the last five years:

• The K23 billion COVID-19 funds scandal.

• The Sattar corruption saga that implicated over 80 officials.

• The repeated arrests of former presidential aide Norman Chisale.

• The alleged politicization of state institutions and regional bias in cabinet appointments.

• The killing of a Kabaza chairperson in Lilongwe and incidents of MCP-linked violence.

Many citizens now question HRDC’s credibility, accusing the group of political bias and double standards in holding governments accountable.

When contacted, HRDC officials maintain that their mission is to defend human rights and hold any government accountable. They argue that their renewed protests are driven by recent policy decisions, not political allegiance.

However, the timing of their re-emergence—barely a month after Mutharika returned to office—has fueled speculation that the group may be pursuing political rather than purely civic objectives.

Many Malawians say they are tired of street protests and prefer national unity and economic rebuilding. “People want solutions, not destruction,” said a Blantyre-based teacher. “We saw how the 2019 protests turned violent. We cannot afford to go back there.”

As the DPP government begins implementing reforms aimed at stabilizing the economy, citizens appear divided—some supporting HRDC’s watchdog role, others urging it to act impartially and focus on constructive dialogue.

The resurgence of HRDC has reignited debate about the role of civil society in Malawi’s democracy—whether it should act as an independent defender of citizens’ rights or as a political force. What remains clear is that Malawians, after five years of hardship, hunger, and corruption scandals, are demanding accountability from all sides, not selective activism.