2011 Malawian protests

none January 2013 August 2021 2011 Malawi protests 17 July 2011 – 21 September 2011 Malawi Corruption, inflation, fuel shortages Ended Resignation of President Bingu wa Mutharika and his government Demonstrations Malawi 2010 Government of MalawiDemocratic Progressive PartyConcerned Citizens Malawi Human Rights Consultative Committee (coalition) Bingu wa Mutharika MacDonald SemberekaUndule MwakasungulaRafiq Hajat 19 killed, at least 58 injured (Human Rights Commission claim)https://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFJOE77E0N920110815 https://web.archive.org/web/20120414002357/http://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFJOE77E0N920110815 dead 14 April 2012 Reuters Malawi report says 19 killed, 58 shot in protests Mabvuto Banda 15 August 2011 15 August 2011 and 98 seriously injuredhttp://www.english.rfi.fr/africa/20110722-african-press-review-22-july-2011 African press review 22 July 2011 Malawi Protests 22 July 2011 RFI 22 July 2011 William Niba 23 February 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120223013629/http://www.english.rfi.fr/africa/20110722-african-press-review-22-july-2011 live on both sides with up to 275 arrests made. The 2011 Malawi protests were protests aimed at winning political and economic reforms or concessions from the government of Malawi.http://allafrica.com/stories/201107270797.html Malawi: Analysing the Repression of the Protests 8 September 2011 20 October 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121020151335/http://allafrica.com/stories/201107270797.html live On 20 July, Malawian organisations protested against perceived poor economic management and poor governance by President Bingu wa Mutharika and his Democratic Progressive Party.https://www.csmonitor.com/World/Africa/2011/0720/Despite-threats-Malawi-protesters-rally-against-high-prices-corruption Despite threats, Malawi protesters rally against high prices, corruption The Christian Science Monitor 20 July 2011 25 December 2014 13 October 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151013113550/http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Africa/2011/0720/Despite-threats-Malawi-protesters-rally-against-high-prices-corruption live After the first two days of protests, 18 deaths, 98 serious injuries and 275 arrests had been reported.http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breaking-news/malawi-blocks-funeral-for-riot-victims/story-e6frf7k6-1226100057855 Malawi blocks funeral for riot victims News Sources 22 July 2011 AFP / Herald Sun 22 July 2011 AFP 22 February 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130222131119/http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breaking-news/malawi-blocks-funeral-for-riot-victims/story-e6frf7k6-1226100057855 live Further demonstrations were organised on 17 August and 21 September The first protest was later cancelled due to the intervention of a UN representative in initiating a dialogue; however, the talks broke down with more protests planned for Red Wednesday through a national vigil.https://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFJOE78F0A420110916 https://web.archive.org/web/20110926130650/http://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFJOE78F0A420110916 dead 26 September 2011 Reuters Malawi activists plan fresh protests next week 16 September 2011https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-09-15/malawian-civil-society-groups-to-hold-anti-government-protest-on-sept-21.html Bloomberg Frank Jomo Malawian Civil-Society Groups to Hold Anti-Government Protest on Sept. 21 15 September 2011 4 March 2017 13 July 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140713100735/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-09-15/malawian-civil-society-groups-to-hold-anti-government-protest-on-sept-21.html live Causes The protesters' grievances were highlighted in a 15-page petition presented by a group of civil society NGOs which included a list of 20 demands:http://www.malawitoday.com/news/896-july-20-protesters-demands July 20 Protesters Demands 25 December 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141222161648/http://www.malawitoday.com/news/896-july-20-protesters-demands 22 December 2014 dead dmy-allhttp://www.opendemocracy.net/stuart-weir/protest-movement-in-malawi-%E2%80%93-can-people-rid-themselves-of-corrupt-paranoid-and-greedy-bi Protest movement in Malawi – can the people rid themselves of the corrupt, paranoid and greedy Bingu wa Mutharika? openDemocracy 25 December 2014 14 July 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140714154959/http://www.opendemocracy.net/stuart-weir/protest-movement-in-malawi-%E2%80%93-can-people-rid-themselves-of-corrupt-paranoid-and-greedy-bi live Acute and growing fuel shortages – queuing for fuel was becoming progressively worse over the past two years. Forex shortfalls Electricity shortages Introduction of the "Zero Deficit Budget of Malawi" – this budget was introduced after England withdrew budgetary support from Malawi.October 2011 Firing of four university lecturers, including Jessie Kabwila-Kapasula, Blessings Chinsinga, Garton Kamchedzera and Edge Kanyongolo and limiting academic freedom at the University of Malawi. Attempts against controlling public protests through the requirement of a fee-to-protest of K2 million for mass demonstrations. Relations with the United Kingdom following the expulsion of the High Commissioner to Malawi as a result of the Chochraine-Dyet controversy by The Nation.October 2011 Press freedom, particularly for the Malawi Broadcasting Corporation. Failure to monitor proceeds of the Australian company Paladin Energy Expansion of the cabinet Payments to First Lady Callista Mutharika Nepotism and the succession of wa Mutharika's brother Peter Mutharika as the head of state. "Injunctions Bill," which prevents obtaining injunctions against the government despite a court rejection of the bill. Reversal of the unpopular change to the Flag of Malawi "Sheer arrogance" of wa Mutharika Unconstitutional treatment of elected officials, notably attempts to strip Vice President Joyce Banda of rights and privileges accorded by the Constitution of Malawi Protests After several weeks of protests,October 2011 on 19 July, the government issued an order banning civil society organisations from protesting. A day before the protest, the government set out to intimidate potential protestors. Two vehicles belonging to the independent private radio station Zodiak Radio were set alight by masked men.http://www.nyasatimes.com/politics/dpp-will-rule-beyond-2014-%E2%80%98like-it-or-not%E2%80%99-zikhale/ February 2022 In the commercial capital Blantyre, five official DPP vehicles carrying DPP Youth Cadets (a youth wing of the DPP) were seen driving around the city waving machetes. The government obtained an injunction to stop the protests.http://www.menafn.com/qn_news_story.asp?StoryId=%7B90150c73-7ace-4d29-9b2c-2870b4e2130e%7D - MENAFN.COM 25 December 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20120320041601/http://www.menafn.com/qn_news_story.asp?StoryId=%7B90150c73-7ace-4d29-9b2c-2870b4e2130e%7D 20 March 2012 dead 20 July A coalition of 80 Civil societies and NGOs, religious and student groups (collectively known as 'Concerned Citizens') chose 20 July 2011 as a day of national protest against economic and administrative management.https://www.voanews.com/a/butty-malawi-mcc-aid-withholding-react-ntaba-28july11-126306108/158566.html Malawi Government Shocked by MCC Aid Withholding Decision VOA 27 July 2011 25 December 2014 19 April 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120419023243/http://www.voanews.com/english/news/africa/Butty-Malawi-MCC-Aid-Withholding-React-Ntaba-28july11-126306108.html live Prominent civil and human rights organisations like the umbrella NGO Human Rights Consultative Committee (HRCC) and the Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR) were both a part of the Concerned Citizens group and played a central role in planning the protest.October 2011 It also included the Malawi Law Society and the Council of Churches.https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-09-21/malawi-s-president-mutharika-demands-end-to-protest-strike-2-.html Bloomberg Frank Jomo Malawi's President Mutharika Demands End to Protest Strike 21 September 2011 4 March 2017 19 December 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141219033129/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-09-21/malawi-s-president-mutharika-demands-end-to-protest-strike-2-.html live Mutharika then scheduled a public lecture for the same day to which he invited all citizens, NGO's and civil societies upon registration. The Concerned Citizens largely said that they would not attend a 'lecture' by the president because they wanted dialogue and their concerns to be addressed. Pro-government supporters then scheduled a pro-government protest on the same day, 20 July. On the morning of 20 July 2011, mass anti-government protests began in the major cities of Mzuzu, Blantyre, and the capital Lilongwe. Protests also occurred in Zomba, Kasungu, and Ntchesi. The Concerned Citizens were wearing red shirts and other articles of clothing and called themselves the "Red Army for Democracy and Peace." The protests began peacefully with participants singing the national anthem, taking photos, holding signs and giving speeches. A number of protesters were waving the old Malawi flag the public display of which had been banned by the Mutharika government.August 2011 The government response to these protests included preemptive arrests of civil society leaders. Police assaulted MCP spokesperson Nancy Tembo, Joyce Banda's sister Anjimile Oponyo, The Nation journalist Kondwani Munthali and the head of the HRCC Undule Mwakasungula. There was a clamp down by police on anyone wearing red clothes which was particularly violent in Mzuzu. Police forces began to disrupt broadcasts by radio stations, and ordered journalists not to report on the protests. Anti-government citizens clashed with security forces in the northern cities of Mzuzu and Karonga and Blantyre.http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2011/07/20117218913428213.html Malawi leader calls for end to violence – Africa Al Jazeera English 24 July 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110721162047/http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2011/07/20117218913428213.html 21 July 2011 livePhiri Frank https://www.reuters.com/article/us-malawi-idUSTRE76K3HD20110721 Malawi president calls for calm, 18 dead in protests Reuters 21 July 2011 24 July 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110721224859/https://www.reuters.com/article/2011/07/21/us-malawi-idUSTRE76K3HD20110721 21 July 2011 live After the national lecture by President Mutharika, which failed to address the grievances of the protesters, tensions grew further and looting of targeted business and properties began. Business properties of political allies of the president were targeted, along with the homes of two police officers in the north that had participated in the clampdown of protesters with excessive force. The violence continued to grow largely in the major cities. 21 July Although the protests were only planned for 20 July, they continued the next day because of the manner in which the government responded to the protests. The government did not acknowledge that there was discontent in the country and clamped down on journalists, radio stations, citizens and protesters wearing red. On 21 July the army was sent in to reinforce riot police already present in Mzuzu, Blantyre, Ntchesi, and in the capital Lilongwe. At least two people were killed amid widespread looting in the suburbs of Lilongwe as Mutharika vowed to "use any measure I can think of" to quell the unrest.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-14231251 BBC News – Malawi army deployed over anti-Mutharika protests BBC 21 July 2011 24 July 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110722153939/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-14231251 22 July 2011 live 22 July The director of the Church and Society rights organisation, Moses Mkandawire, said that the government had blocked funeral processions for seven of those killed in the previous two days' protests. "We have been stopped by the government with our arrangements to bury the seven heroes. The government says it will provide transport to have the seven buried in their respective [village] homes."http://www.news24.com/Africa/News/Malawi-blocks-mass-funeral-for-riot-victims-20110722-2 Malawi blocks mass funeral for riot victims: News24: Africa: News News24 8 July 2011 24 July 2011 5 April 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120405191839/http://www.news24.com/Africa/News/Malawi-blocks-mass-funeral-for-riot-victims-20110722-2 live Al Jazeera reported that a number of these protest leaders had received death threats and gone into hiding for fear of arrest or worse.http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2011/07/20117262555577270.html Malawi president given ultimatum 26 July 2011 25 July 2011 Al Jazeera English https://web.archive.org/web/20110726123056/http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2011/07/20117262555577270.html 26 July 2011 live 23 July Vice President Joyce Banda, one of the opposition leaders Mutharika accused of inciting unrest, publicly endorsed the protests against Mutharika's government and stated "regret" for deaths, injuries, and property damage incurred during the demonstrations. Banda, thought to be entertaining a run for the presidency in 2014, suggested poor economic conditions, corruption, and weak democratic institutions had forced Malawians to take to the streets. She said she had appealed to Mutharika to hold a dialogue with the United Kingdom, the former colonial power of Malawi with which the Mutharika administration had recently become embroiled in a diplomatic row, over the Cochrane-Dyet cable in the hopes of forging an agreement to provide Malawi with economic relief.http://www.postzambia.com/post-read_article.php?articleId=22220 The Zambia Post 24 July 2011 25 July 2011 Malawi's V/President backs protests Chibaula Silwamba https://web.archive.org/web/20120911073627/http://www.postzambia.com/post-read_article.php?articleId=22220 11 September 2012 dead 26 July Rafiq Hajat, the director of the Institute for Policy Interaction warned Mutharika that if he did not address protesters' demands by 16 August, demonstrations would resume on 17 August with the goal of ending his regime. The Public Affairs Committee, a group composed of both Christian and Muslim activists, also warned that "should [the] government continue to harass people for no proper reasons, another demonstration will be inevitable. Bullets and tear gas have never triumphed over the will of the people." 17 August The Concerned Citizens of Malawi staged another protest on 17 August in the form of a national vigil for the victims of the 20 July protest. The vigil was, however, cancelled a day before the protests due to the intervention of the United Nations who engaged civil society groups and the government in dialogue.http://www.menafn.com/qn_news_story.asp?storyid={8131a58e-a833-423c-ac96-359c08431685} - MENAFN.COM 25 December 2014 The dialogue later broke down because of what the civil society groups said was continued intimidation being faced outside the meeting.http://www.malawivoice.com/national-news/21-september-virgil-to-go-ahead-mayaya/ September 2018 InternetArchiveBot yes A string of arson cases were also reported, including fires at the offices of Rafiq Hajat and the home of Reverend MacDonald Sembereka.http://www.international.to/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2509:malawi-markets-torched-ahead-of-cancelled-protests&catid=80:politics&Itemid=120 International.to :: Home 25 December 2014 22 February 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130222125240/http://www.international.to/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2509:malawi-markets-torched-ahead-of-cancelled-protests&catid=80:politics&Itemid=120 livehttp://allafrica.com/stories/201109192179.html Malawi: Arson Attacks Target Rights Activists 21 September 2011 20 October 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121020165513/http://allafrica.com/stories/201109192179.html live wa Mutharika was accused of being behind the arsons, particularity since he threatened protest leaders by saying he would "smoke you out." He later denied being behind the arsons.http://www.bnltimes.com/national/42-all/2437-malawi-president-denies-being-behind-arsons.html September 2018 InternetArchiveBot yes No one has been arrested or found guilty of partaking in the arson cases, but the government has condemned them.October 2011 20–21 September – Red Wednesday The two primary markets in Blantyre and Lilongwe were also burned down on 20 September a day before the Red Wednesday protests on 21 September. On 21 September a national stay-at-home was organised with the aim of shutting down the economy via a general strikeJune 2024 medicmedic http://www.nyasatimes.com/malawi/2011/09/21/malawi-activists-create-%E2%80%98red-wednesday%E2%80%99/ Malawi Activists Create 'Red Wednesday' 21 September 2011 1 April 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120401205504/http://www.nyasatimes.com/malawi/2011/09/21/malawi-activists-create-%E2%80%98red-wednesday%E2%80%99/ dead on what the organisers called "Red Wednesday." Businesses and banks across the country were closed; at the same time there was also a heavy police presence and protestors clad in red. People were also urged by the organisers to hold vigils at home to commemorate the deaths of Malawians killed during the protests in July. The protest was held on Wednesday to mark the day of the 19 people during the July protests; it also marks the beginning of a planned for three-day stay-at-home strike. Bingu wa Mutharika called for an end to the strike on the state-owned Malawi Broadcasting Corporation warning that "You can’t bully me into submission. [The] government can’t be taken to ransom by a few disgruntled individuals hiding in the name of civil society. If you stop people from going to work, I will deal with you." He added that the strikes were illegal, while telling people to return to work the next day.October 2011 Domestic responses Following the violence, Mutharika called on the people of Malawi to "stop the rioting and let's sit down to discuss. I have a responsibility, based on the powers vested in me by the constitution to bring law and order." After accusing the protesters of being "led by Satan," he then blamed his former deputy Joyce Banda and opposition leaders John Tembo, as well as other civil society leaders of being responsible for the violent protests. "The blood of these people who have died is on you. Let their spirits haunt you at night. This time I'll go after you! Even if you hide in holes I'll smoke you out!"http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2011/07/201172311849585348.html Malawi president blames opposition for deaths – Africa Al Jazeera English 24 July 2011 6 August 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110806083316/http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2011/07/201172311849585348.html live He also said that those organising the protests should face the "consequences."http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2011/07/20117262555577270.html Malawi president given ultimatum Al Jazeera English 25 December 2014 26 July 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110726123056/http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2011/07/20117262555577270.html live His rhetoric saying to protesters saying that he would "smoke you out" was in reference to former United States President George W. Bush, who used the same words for Osama bin Laden.http://www.malawitoday.com/news/897-i-will-smoke-you-out-mutharika-threatens "I Will Smoke You Out", Mutharika threatens 25 December 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20130616080918/http://www.malawitoday.com/news/897-i-will-smoke-you-out-mutharika-threatens 16 June 2013 dead First Lady Callista Mutharika publicly castigated the NGO's that organised the protests for allegedly being paid by Western donors to "disturb the peace" and promote homosexuality, stating that they would "go to hell."http://www.nationmw.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=23717:malawi-first-lady-bashes-local-ngos&catid=1:national-news&Itemid=3 NationMW.net: The Leading Nation mW Site on the Net 17 July 2014 usurped https://web.archive.org/web/20140717015257/http://www.nationmw.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=23717:malawi-first-lady-bashes-local-ngos&catid=1:national-news&Itemid=3 17 July 2014http://www.nyasatimes.com/malawi/2011/08/04/ngo%E2%80%99s-hit-back-at-%E2%80%98reckless%E2%80%99-first-lady/ https://archive.today/20120401205643/http://www.nyasatimes.com/malawi/2011/08/04/ngo%E2%80%99s-hit-back-at-%E2%80%98reckless%E2%80%99-first-lady/ 1 April 2012 dead NGO's hit back at 'reckless' First Lady | Malawi news, Malawi - NyasaTimes breaking online news source from Malawi 31 August 2021 She further said that villagers should not have an interest in the protest over fuel and foreign exchange since they do not drive cars and because they don't engage in cross border trade. She urged village chiefs and the rural population at-large not to protest. Her response was received with much criticism from civil society.October 2011 Cabinet and army reshuffle On 19 August, state-owned radioAugust 2011 reported that Mutharika sacked his entire cabinet without announcing a reason for the move. Analysts speculated that it was related to the protests and the freeze in aid from the United Kingdom triggered by the government's response.https://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFJOE77I0P720110819 https://web.archive.org/web/20110821034803/http://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFJOE77I0P720110819 dead 21 August 2011 Reuters 19 August 2011 19 August 2011 Malawi's Mutharika dissolves cabinet He reappointed a new trimmed down cabinet on 7 September. However, it still included controversial posts such as his wife Callista Mutharika as a cabinet member, his brother Peter Mutharika as Minister of Foreign Affairs and former Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Culture Ken Lipenga as Minister of Finance, while excluding former Vice President Joyce Banda,https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-09-07/malawi-president-mutharika-names-lipenga-finance-minister-in-new-cabinet.html Bloomberg Frank Jomo Malawi President Mutharika Names Lipenga Finance Minister in New Cabinet 7 September 2011 4 March 2017 13 July 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140713093959/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-09-07/malawi-president-mutharika-names-lipenga-finance-minister-in-new-cabinet.html live wa Mutharika has repeatedly referred to the cabinet as a "war cabinet" charged with defending the "integrity of nation."http://www.newstimeafrica.com/archives/22536 Mutharika's 'war cabinet' asks activists not to stall talks in Malawi Newstime Africa 25 December 2014 19 September 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150919175524/http://www.newstimeafrica.com/archives/22536 usurped Mutharika hastened the retirement of the head of the army, General Marko Chiziko and appointed a new army chief after the protests.http://indepthafrica.com/news/east-africa/mutharika-unhappy-with-army/ Mutharika 'unhappy with army' 14 August 2011 17 March 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120317054241/http://indepthafrica.com/news/east-africa/mutharika-unhappy-with-army/ dead Chiziko's replacement is General Henry Odillo.http://www.bulawayo24.com/index-id-news-sc-africa-byo-6520-article-Zimbabwe+riot+police%3A+Hired+for+Malawi+demo.html Bulawayo24 NEWS – Zimbabwe riot police: Hired for Malawi demo 25 December 2014 14 July 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140714093301/http://www.bulawayo24.com/index-id-news-sc-africa-byo-6520-article-Zimbabwe+riot+police%3A+Hired+for+Malawi+demo.html live Zimbabwean mercenaries Mutharika was accused of hiring mercenaries from Zimbabwe to patrol the streets and suppress protestors in preparation for the second protest which was to take place in the form of a national vigil.http://www.thezimbabwean.co.uk/news/africa/51954/zim-accused-of-sending-mercenaries.html Zim accused of sending mercenaries to crush Malawi demos The Zimbabwean 25 December 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20130508204044/http://www.thezimbabwean.co.uk/news/africa/51954/zim-accused-of-sending-mercenaries.html 8 May 2013 dead They were hired after consultations by wa Mutharika with Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe after it became clear that the Malawian army would not shoot at Malawians during the planned protests due to discontentOctober 2011 in the army.http://www.nyasatimes.com/national/bingu-hires-zimbabwe-mercenaries-to-%E2%80%98smoke-out%E2%80%99-malawians/ Bingu hires Zimbabwe mercenaries to 'smoke out' Malawians 12 August 2011 Nyasa Times https://web.archive.org/web/20111013011745/http://www.nyasatimes.com/malawi/2011/08/12/bingu-hires-zimbabwe-mercenaries-to-%E2%80%98smoke-out%E2%80%99-malawians/ 13 October 2011 dead 22 April 2017 http://www.maravipost.com/malawi-politics/district/5602-parallells-between-mutharikas-stumble-and-mubaraks-tumble.html#ixzz1VCPHyA3Q https://web.archive.org/web/20201126192401/http://www.maravipost.com/malawi-politics/district/5602-parallells-between-mutharikas-stumble-and-mubaraks-tumble.html#ixzz1VCPHyA3Q dead 26 November 2020 The Maravi Post – 404 maravipost.com maravipost Malawi's Maravipost: Malawi breaking news, Political, National, Weather, sports and Business News 25 December 2014 The Zimbabwean personnel were stationed in Lilongwe, Mzuzu, Blantayre, and Zomba. 2014 presidential election In spite of the nationwide protest against the Mutharika regime, in early August 2011 the DPP National Governing Council (NGC) endorsed Peter Mutharika, the presidents brother, as a presidential candidate for the 2014 presidential election.http://www.nationmw.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=23846:are-voters-ready-for-peter-mutharika&catid=62:national-news&Itemid=59 Are voters ready for Peter Mutharika 21 August 2011 18 August 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110818142108/http://www.nationmw.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=23846:are-voters-ready-for-peter-mutharika&catid=62:national-news&Itemid=59 usurped He is currently the Minister of Education, Science and Technology. This early announcement came a few days after the protests. His appointment decision was made by President Bingu wa Mutharika and endorsed by the council without a party convention. DPP Secretary General Wakuda Kamanga stated that they are optimistic that the country will elect another Mutharika in spite of the protests because the "anger would phase out." The party also sacked other leaders that had been against the promotion of the Peter Mutharika as a candidate, including first vice-president Joyce Banda and second vice-president Khumbo Kachale. International reactions Supranational bodies Southern African Development Community – Executive Secretary Tomaz Salomao sent an observer mission to Malawi to gather information and report back to the SADC meeting in Luanda, Angola. States United States – The Millennium Challenge Corporation, a government agency, suspended aid because it was "deeply upset" by the deaths of the 19 people during the demonstrations.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-14299172 BBC News US suspends aid to Malawi after killings 26 July 2011 20 June 2018 28 March 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190328104029/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-14299172 live NGO Amnesty International – AI reported that at least 44 people were injured with gunshot wounds, and at least 8 people were killed by the security forces. It also called for an investigation into this misuse of firearms.https://www.amnesty.org/en/news-and-updates/malawi-must-investigate-protest-killings-2011-07-21 Malawi must investigate protest killings – Amnesty International 21 July 2011 25 December 2014 7 October 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121007173455/http://www.amnesty.org/en/news-and-updates/malawi-must-investigate-protest-killings-2011-07-21 live See also List of protests in the 21st century 2019 Malawian protests 2019 Malawian protests and riots References External links "Uniting For Peaceful Resistance Against Poor Economic and Democratic Governance" – List of Demands Protests Malawian Category:Human rights abuses in Malawi Malawi Category:Protest marches Category:Protests in Malawi Category:Labour disputes in Malawi