By Burnett Munthali
The city of Mzuzu witnessed the beginning of public demonstrations on May 6, 2025, as citizens gathered to express their grievances on a range of pressing national issues.
The demonstrations, which had been announced in advance by civil society groups and concerned citizens, drew large crowds from various parts of the Northern Region.
People began assembling in the early hours of the morning, carrying placards and chanting slogans to voice their dissatisfaction with economic hardships, governance failures, and perceived lack of accountability from public officials.
The protests were marked by a coordinated effort between organizers and law enforcement agencies to ensure that the demonstrations remained peaceful and orderly.
Security personnel were deployed strategically across the city, including in front of government offices and major intersections, to manage the flow of people and traffic.
Protesters marched through key streets in Mzuzu, making stops at symbolic locations where they presented petitions and made public statements calling for urgent reforms.
Among the key issues raised were the rising cost of living, unemployment, corruption in public institutions, and the government’s alleged failure to fulfill campaign promises.
Speakers at the demonstrations included representatives of youth groups, religious leaders, market vendors, and political activists who called on the government to take immediate steps to address the suffering of ordinary Malawians.
There was a strong display of unity among the demonstrators, many of whom emphasized that their actions were not aligned to any single political party but rather a collective demand for justice, equity, and good governance.
By mid-morning, the demonstrations had drawn national attention, with media outlets covering the unfolding events and sharing updates on social media platforms.
Some business premises in the city closed temporarily as a precaution, while others remained open, showing support for the demonstrators’ cause.
Despite fears of potential violence, the protests remained largely peaceful, with organizers urging participants to maintain discipline and respect public property.
Observers have noted that the Mzuzu demonstrations reflect growing public frustration across the country and may inspire similar protests in other regions.
As the day progressed, demonstrators vowed to continue raising their voices until tangible action is taken by the authorities to address the concerns raised.
