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Message: [QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 46684, member: 636"] Entrepreneur Kondwani Kachamba criticized Malawi Defence Force soldiers after they failed to stop violent attacks during peaceful protests. Armed thugs attacked demonstrators and set fire to vehicles as security forces watched without helping. The attackers also beat activist Sylvester Namiwa from Citizens for Credible Elections during the Thursday demonstrations. Police officers and military personnel stood nearby but did not intervene to protect the protesters. Kachamba called the military response embarrassing and disappointing. Namiwa had organized the protests to demand resignations from election officials. Demonstrators wanted Malawi Electoral Commission Chairperson Justice Annabel Mtalimanja and Chief Elections Officer Andrew Mpesi to step down. Protesters accused both officials of incompetence ahead of upcoming elections. The demonstration turned violent when unknown attackers arrived with machetes and began destroying property. Security forces failed to arrest the attackers or protect peaceful demonstrators from harm. Kachamba wrote about the incident on Facebook Friday morning. The business leader said military and police forces have better capabilities than they showed. He argued that political differences cannot justify working with violent groups who terrorize citizens. The entrepreneur expressed shock at seeing military personnel cooperate with armed thugs. He said this was his first time witnessing such behavior from defence forces. The incident has damaged public trust in security institutions across the country. Kachamba said the military has failed the entire nation through their inaction. Citizens feel abandoned when those meant to protect them refuse to act against violence. [/QUOTE]

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