By Joseph Mkango
Civil Society Education Coalition (Csec) has expressed concern about demonstrations planned for July 4 2025 fearing they may disrupt Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) examinations that started yesterday.
Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) vice-president for the Centre Alfred Gangata announced on Sunday that he will lead peaceful anti-violent protests in Lilongwe. On the other hand, anonymous organisers in Mzuzu are also planning door-to-door manhunt for suspected perpetrators of violence against protesters.
But in a statement, Csec executive director Benedicto Kondowe and board chairperson Limbani Nsapato said while they recognise the constitutional right to peaceful protests, the right to education should equally not be compromised.
Reads the statement: 鈥淭hese examinations are not just a rite of passage, they are the culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice, and hope for a better future.
鈥淎ny action that disrupts or threatens the integrity of this process risks robbing students of their right to a fair and safe learning environment, with consequences that may last a lifetime.鈥
Csec recalled witnessing in previous years how demonstrations, regardless of intent, held during examination periods resulted in examination cancellations.
Gangata did not respond to our calls yesterday.
However, in a letter to Lilongwe district commissioner on Monday, he said the protests were organised as a response to increasing cases of violence and intimidation during recent protests.