8 August 2011

On 20-21 July, following protests in Malawi at the government's mismanagement of the economy, 19 people were killed.

The heavy-handed tactics of the security forces have been condemned around the globe. The international trade union movement has called on the president to investigate the killings and to address the legitimate grievances of civil society, including the mismanagement of the economy and corruption.

Please sign the Labour Start petition calling for the president of Malawi to respond to the events of 20-21 July.

Urgent action for Malawi

BACKGROUND

President Bingu wa Mutharika, who came to office in 2004, has been criticised for expelling rivals from the ruling party, expanding presidential power and signing laws that have restricted protests, media freedom and lawsuits against the government.

The moves have alienated foreign donors, causing the United States and Britain to cut their aid to the impoverished country at the same time it is facing massive fuel shortages that have forced drivers to queue overnight for petrol.

Mutharika has also presided over a foreign exchange crisis that has seen international currencies become virtually unavailable, leaving businesses in the import-dependent country unable to buy goods and materials abroad.

The Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) is due to meet on 17 August in Angola. It will discuss the findings of a SADC mission to investigate the violence when it meets. Coincidentally civil society have given President Mutharika until 16 August to respond to their grievances.