Former President Lazarus Chakwera has accused his successor, Peter Mutharika, of targeting opposition figures through a campaign of intimidation, “unlawful arrests, and the abuse of due process”. He described this pattern as a “dangerous collapse” of the rule of law.

In a formal statement, the former president noted that he has notified President Mutharika of these allegedly politically motivated actions against leaders of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP). “This includes individuals whose only crime is exercising their freedom of speech,” the statement said.

Chakwera expressed particular outrage over the month-long detention of the MCP Secretary General without charge or bail. The detention was later overturned by the High Court, which found the police guilty of violating the Constitution.