HRDC demonstrations return
The Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) has announced plans to stage protests in Lilongwe, Zomba, and Mzuzu on November 17, 2026 over the fuel and electricity crisis in the country.
The grouping is also calling for the resignation of the Energy Minister due to ongoing fuel shortages and electricity outages.
In a statement issued by Vice Chairperson Madalitso Banda and National Coordinator Kelvin Chirwa, HRDC highlights that these demonstrations are a response to the persistent challenges in obtaining fuel and the inconsistent electricity supply.
“The Minister assured the citizens of Malawi that the situation would stabilize by October 20, 2026, yet there has been no significant improvement,” the statement notes.
HRDC contends that the Minister has not shown effective leadership in tackling the crisis and is thus demanding her resignation.
HRDC led mass demonstrations in Malawi that pushed for electoral justice and the resignation of Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) Chair Jane Ansah following the disputed 2019 presidential election.
The pressure from HRDC-backed protests and court petitions culminated in a landmark February 2020 Constitutional Court ruling (later upheld in May 2020) that nullified the 2019 presidential election due to widespread irregularities.
This led to a court-ordered fresh presidential election on June 23, 2020, where opposition leader Lazarus Chakwera defeated Peter Mutharika.
