President Chakwera and his Malawi Congress Party have stepped up actions against opponents as the September 2025 elections approach. Many political leaders, activists, and reporters face arrests in what critics call an attack on democratic freedoms.
Former Vice President Saulos Chilima was charged with corruption after being seen as a possible challenger to Chakwera. Martha Chizuma, who headed the Anti-Corruption Bureau, was arrested in 2022 for allegedly leaking information about investigations into high officials. Dalitso Kabambe, UTM president and former Reserve Bank Governor, faces charges of economic sabotage.
Lawmaker Sameer Suleman was arrested in January over social media statements about government ministers. Other opposition figures targeted include Enock Chihana, Norman Chisale, Kalua Kamlepo, and Patricia Kaliati. The Anti-Corruption Bureau arrested MP Yeremiah Chihana on Tuesday on suspicion of misusing public office.
Journalists also face harassment. Macmillan Mhone from Nation Publications Limited was arrested last year about a story published in Malawi 24. Police forced Times Group reporter Isaac Salima to delete pictures of an incident at a traffic department office.
The growing tensions cast doubt on the upcoming elections. Critics inside Malawi and internationally have condemned these actions, saying they threaten the country's democratic processes and human rights standards.
Former Vice President Saulos Chilima was charged with corruption after being seen as a possible challenger to Chakwera. Martha Chizuma, who headed the Anti-Corruption Bureau, was arrested in 2022 for allegedly leaking information about investigations into high officials. Dalitso Kabambe, UTM president and former Reserve Bank Governor, faces charges of economic sabotage.
Lawmaker Sameer Suleman was arrested in January over social media statements about government ministers. Other opposition figures targeted include Enock Chihana, Norman Chisale, Kalua Kamlepo, and Patricia Kaliati. The Anti-Corruption Bureau arrested MP Yeremiah Chihana on Tuesday on suspicion of misusing public office.
Journalists also face harassment. Macmillan Mhone from Nation Publications Limited was arrested last year about a story published in Malawi 24. Police forced Times Group reporter Isaac Salima to delete pictures of an incident at a traffic department office.
The growing tensions cast doubt on the upcoming elections. Critics inside Malawi and internationally have condemned these actions, saying they threaten the country's democratic processes and human rights standards.
