Malawians plan nationwide protests over fuel, power and forex shortages
Demonstrations are expected on November 17 in Lilongwe, Blantyre, Zomba and Mzuzu, as the fuel crisis enters its 10th week.
Malawians in Lilongwe, Blantyre, Zomba and Mzuzu are expected to take to the streets on November 17 to protest growing economic hardship. The complaints centre on fuel shortages, electricity blackouts and a scarcity of foreign exchange.
The fuel shortage, now in its 10th week, has left motorists queuing for hours at filling stations and pushed up fares and commodity prices, according to the commentary. Importers struggle to access dollars, and manufacturers find it hard to get raw materials.
Organisers describe peaceful demonstrations as a constitutional right and urge the government to listen rather than dismiss the protests as politically motivated.
Why it mattersMotorists, transport operators and small businesses face queues, higher fares and interrupted power, and the protests are set to test how the government responds.