Some civil society organisations have accused the Malawi Defence Force of interfering into duties of other state agencies and violations of human rights.
Representative of the CSO’s namely Human Rights Defenders Coalition, Pace for Social Change, Phunzirani Development Organisation and the Young Human Rights Defenders Network made the remarks during a press briefing in Mzuzu.
In particular, the CSO’s have cited recent allegations of corruption, brutality and abuses purportedly involving MDF soldiers manning an adhoc roadblock at Chilumba Barracks.
Speaking to MIJ Online, Masauko Thawe a representative of the CSO’s said they have received complaints from a lot of people who have been victimised by some MDF soldiers manning Chilumba roadblock.
“We have received numerous complaints on how some MDF soldiers are conducting themselves at Chilumba Barracks Roadblock. Corruption, brutality and other forms of abuses are some of the things that are happening at this roadblock, and we can’t allow such to continue,” observed Thawe.
According to Thawe, the MDF sanctioned roadblock is a deviation from is core duties which among many include safeguarding the country from external forces therefore by manning a roadblock, MDF is acting out of its mandate thus interfering on duties of other state agencies like the police and the Malawi Revenue Authority.
While calling for the removal of MDF soldiers from the said roadblock, Thawe has also condemned the silence of religious leaders on the matter saying their being quiet begs a lot of questions.
“It sad that religious leaders who are usually vocal speaking against various social ills have chosen to be quiet on this matter. We need their voice and we need them to play a role in ensuring that disagreements that are there between communities and MDF soldiers in relation to this matter are resolved peacefully” Thawe said.
The Chilumba Barracks MDF manned roadblock has recently been in the news following a video that went viral of one Lyton Yusufu who accused the soldiers of illtreating innocent travellers.
Citizens for Transformation and the Federalism Institute are among other institutions that have also condemned the conduct of some MDF soldiers at the Chilumba Barracks roadblock.
