President
Bingu wa Mutharika announced that he has replaced the long-standing commander
of the Malawian Army, Gen. Marko Chiziko, fueling speculation that the leader
is unhappy with the way the military dealt with the recent unrest. Chiziko has
since been appointed National Security Adviser.
Last
week, the response of security forces to anti-government demonstrations in this
southern African country left at least 18 people dead, prompting international
condemnation from the United States, European Union and former ruler Britain.
Mutharika
accused opposition leaders of treason and blamed them for the deaths.
Several
civil society leaders, responsible for organizing last week’s demonstrations,
said they have gone into hiding after receiving threats on their lives. They
said they received intimidating anonymous phone calls from people believed to
be supporters of Mutharika’s party.
Local
media reported Sunday that political analysts believe Mutharika’s
administration could collapse if it does not heed the people’s demands.
On Friday
night, a police station in the northern city of Mzuzu was attacked and torched,
after the mass burial of seven protesters who were shot dead by police during
Wednesday’s demonstrations. Police said at least 10 police officers have been
injured there after the protests.
Authorities
said they have banned group burials for the other demonstrators killed to avoid
more violence.
A heavy
policy and military presence remained on the streets of major cities Sunday,
with officials questioning and dispersing people traveling in groups.
A UN
statement released Sunday said that UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon had a
telephone conversation with Mutharika on Saturday to express sadness over the
deaths from clashes between demonstrators and police. It said that the UN chief
said the human rights of those in jail should be guaranteed.
Britain
had already suspended aid to Malawi, citing concerns about economic management
and a crackdown on human rights.
