The European Union may stop helping train Malawi police officers after security forces failed to protect peaceful protesters. Ambassador Rune Skinnebach said police actions were shocking and disappointing during Thursday's violence. Armed attackers with machetes hurt demonstrators who wanted changes at the election commission. Police and military troops watched the attacks but did not help the victims. The EU leader called the response disgusting and unacceptable.
Citizens for Credible Elections organized the protest march against two top election officials. Demonstrators demanded that Annabell Mtalimanja and Andrew Mpesi leave their jobs at the Malawi Electoral Commission. Unknown men with weapons attacked the peaceful crowd and damaged property around the area. Security officers stood nearby but refused to stop the violence against unarmed protesters. The attacks happened right before the eyes of trained law enforcement personnel.
Skinnebach told local reporters that EU support depends on proper police behavior and training effectiveness. He questioned whether outside forces told officers not to protect citizens during the demonstration. The ambassador wants authorities to investigate the incident completely and hold people responsible for their actions. Both the attackers and officers who failed to act must face consequences for what happened. The EU will review its police training programs based on future police conduct.
Citizens for Credible Elections organized the protest march against two top election officials. Demonstrators demanded that Annabell Mtalimanja and Andrew Mpesi leave their jobs at the Malawi Electoral Commission. Unknown men with weapons attacked the peaceful crowd and damaged property around the area. Security officers stood nearby but refused to stop the violence against unarmed protesters. The attacks happened right before the eyes of trained law enforcement personnel.
Skinnebach told local reporters that EU support depends on proper police behavior and training effectiveness. He questioned whether outside forces told officers not to protect citizens during the demonstration. The ambassador wants authorities to investigate the incident completely and hold people responsible for their actions. Both the attackers and officers who failed to act must face consequences for what happened. The EU will review its police training programs based on future police conduct.
