Malawi airport protesters ‘will be met by force’

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Malawi airport protesters ‘will be met by force’

8:56 CAT | 02 Sep 2019

President Mutharika said the protests were affecting Malawi's economy

Malawi’s President Peter Mutharika has warned opposition parties that his government will use all necessary force to protect any planned disruptions at the country’s airports and border points.

Since Mr Mutharika won a narrow victory in the presidential polls in May there have been massive demonstrations in Malawi.

Demonstrators are angered by how the electoral commission handled the vote, which they allege was full of irregularities.

Last week, they had planned to take their protests to airports and border crossings, but a court barred them from doing so.

President Mutharika told the BBC’s Emmanuel Igunza that he was ready to talk to opposition groups to end the protests, which he said was affecting the country’s economy.

But he said while his government supported peaceful demonstrations, the destruction of property and life would not be allowed.

“What I object to is the planning to close the airport and all entry points into Malawi, I can’t accept that.

“A state has four characteristics: it must have a people, a territory, a government and defined boundaries. Once you attack boundaries, you are attacking the essence of the state and that will be met by force.’’

The election results are currently being challenged in court by the opposition.

Source: BBC