Coalition dismisses claims it is planning anti-government demonstrations, says no protests are scheduled

By Edwin Mauluka

The Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) has launched a new initiative to support human rights defenders (HRDs) in Malawi who are facing threats, intimidation, or other challenges linked to their work.

Announcing the programme on Saturday, HRDC Chairperson Michael Kaiyatsa said the HRD Security & Support Initiative will assist defenders encountering serious security risks or those needing economic, legal, or psychosocial help due to their involvement in past demonstrations.

“They will receive emergency security support, legal aid, psychosocial assistance, economic and livelihood support, and training in digital and physical security,” Kaiyatsa said.

He added that confidential channels have already been set up for HRDs to access help. “Some HRDs have already benefited from this initiative. It reaffirms our commitment to ensuring no defender stands alone in the fight for justice and accountability.”

Responding to claims that HRDC is collaborating with the opposition Malawi Congress Party (MCP) to organise protests against the new Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) government, Kaiyatsa dismissed the accusations.

“HRDC is an independent, non-partisan, issue-driven coalition. Our loyalty is to the people of Malawi and the Constitution, not to any political party. We defend rights without fear or favour, regardless of who is in power,” he said.

He acknowledged that the organisation held no demonstrations between 2020 and 2025 when MCP was in government, but stressed that this does not reflect political bias.

“We mobilise when there are clear violations of human rights, threats to constitutional order, or when dialogue has failed. The absence of protests at any point should never be seen as political alignment. We demand accountability from all governments: past, present, and future,” he said.

Kaiyatsa emphasised that HRDC currently has no planned demonstrations, noting that its actions will remain guided by evidence, constitutional principles, and public interest.

He also raised concern over increasing reports of intimidation, harassment, defamation, and online abuse targeting HRDs, warning that such actions risk shrinking civic space and undermining democracy.

“We call on authorities to investigate threats, protect HRDs, and uphold Malawi’s obligations under international human rights instruments,” he said.