CHRAD Malawi

12/08/2026

CAMPAIGN FOR HUMAN RIGHTS ACCOUNTABILITY AND DEMOCRACY (CHRAD MALAWI)

A MESSAGE OF SOLIDARITY TO THE PEOPLE OF THE REPUBLIC OF ZAMBIA AHEAD OF THE 2026 GENERAL ELECTIONS

Date: 12 August 2026

To:
The Government and People of the Republic of Zambia
Lusaka, Zambia

RE: PROMOTING PEACE, HUMAN RIGHTS, DEMOCRACY AND NATIONAL UNITY AS ZAMBIA GOES TO THE POLLS

The Campaign for Human Rights Accountability and Democracy (CHRAD Malawi) extends its solidarity and best wishes to the people of the Republic of Zambia as the country prepares to conduct its General Elections on 13 August 2026.

Elections are a fundamental expression of the people's democratic right to determine who should represent and govern them. They are therefore not merely a contest for political power, but an important opportunity for citizens to exercise their constitutional rights and shape the future direction of their country.

As a neighbouring country and fellow member of the Southern African community, Malawi closely identifies with Zambia's democratic journey. We therefore call upon all political parties, candidates, government institutions, security agencies, electoral officials, civil society organisations and citizens to place the national interest above partisan interests before, during and after the elections.

1. A CALL FOR PEACEFUL PARTICIPATION

CHRAD Malawi urges all Zambians to reject political violence, intimidation, hate speech, provocation and destruction of property. Political differences should never become a justification for violence.

The political contest must end at the ballot box. Regardless of political affiliation, every citizen should be able to participate freely, safely and without fear.

2. RESPECT FOR HUMAN RIGHTS AND CIVIL LIBERTIES

We call upon all stakeholders to respect fundamental human rights, including the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, association, political participation and access to information.

Security institutions have a particularly important responsibility to remain professional, impartial and respectful of the rule of law while protecting citizens and public property.

3. PROTECTION OF THE INTEGRITY OF THE ELECTORAL PROCESS

CHRAD Malawi calls upon electoral authorities to administer the elections with independence, impartiality, transparency and professionalism.

All political actors should respect electoral laws and established dispute-resolution mechanisms. Where disagreements arise, stakeholders should pursue lawful and peaceful channels rather than resorting to confrontation.

4. ACCEPTANCE OF THE PEOPLE'S MANDATE

We appeal to all candidates and political parties to demonstrate democratic maturity by respecting the will of the Zambian people as expressed through a credible electoral process.

Winning an election should not be interpreted as a licence to exclude others, while losing an election should not automatically be interpreted as the end of one's political participation. Democracy requires both responsible leadership and responsible opposition.

5. RESPONSIBILITY OF CITIZENS

We encourage Zambian voters to exercise their right to vote peacefully and responsibly, based on issues, policies, leadership qualities and the national interest.

Citizens should also reject misinformation, disinformation, inflammatory political messages and unverified election results that may create unnecessary tension within communities.

6. ZAMBIA'S PEACE IS AFRICA'S PEACE

Zambia has an important place in the history of peace, diplomacy and democratic development in Southern Africa. The preservation of peace in Zambia is therefore not only a national responsibility but also a regional responsibility.

CHRAD Malawi believes that political competition must never destroy social cohesion, families, communities or the economic foundations of a nation.

We therefore call upon all Zambians to remember that after the elections, they will remain neighbours, colleagues, friends, relatives and fellow citizens. Political leaders will come and go, but the Republic of Zambia will remain.

CONCLUSION

CHRAD Malawi wishes the people of Zambia peaceful, credible, transparent and democratic elections.

We call upon all stakeholders to uphold peace, human dignity, human rights, constitutionalism, democracy, accountability and the rule of law throughout the electoral process.

May the people of Zambia exercise their democratic rights freely and peacefully, and may the outcome of the elections strengthen rather than weaken national unity.

One Zambia, One Nation.

Issued by:
Patrick Ulemu Nkhoma

Executive Director
Campaign for Human Rights Accountability and Democracy (CHRAD Malawi)

“Promoting Human Rights, Accountability, Democracy and the Rule of Law.”

05/08/2026

*The Role of Human Rights Advocacy and Media Reporting in a Democratic Society*

A democratic society thrives on respect for human rights, accountability, transparency, and public participation.

Two of the most important pillars that support democracy are human rights advocacy and an independent, responsible media.

Together, they help protect the rights and freedoms of citizens while ensuring that governments and other institutions remain accountable to the people.

Human rights advocacy promotes and defends the fundamental rights and freedoms of all individuals without discrimination.

Human rights advocates monitor government actions, raise awareness of violations, provide legal and moral support to victims, and encourage reforms that strengthen justice and equality. Their work helps ensure that constitutional rights, the rule of law, and democratic values are respected.

The media plays a complementary role by informing the public, investigating matters of public interest, and providing a platform for diverse opinions. Through accurate and balanced reporting, the media enables citizens to make informed decisions, participate in public affairs, and hold leaders accountable. Investigative journalism can expose corruption, abuse of power, and violations of human rights, thereby promoting transparency and good governance.

Human rights advocacy and media reporting are closely interconnected. Advocacy organizations often rely on the media to publicize human rights concerns, while journalists depend on credible human rights information to produce factual reports. When both operate independently and ethically, they strengthen democratic institutions and promote public trust.

However, both human rights advocates and the media have responsibilities.

Human rights advocacy should be impartial, evidence-based, and respectful of the rights of all people, including those accused of wrongdoing. Likewise, the media must adhere to professional standards of accuracy, fairness, balance, and verification.

Sensationalism, misinformation, hate speech, or biased reporting can undermine democracy, fuel conflict, and violate the rights of individuals.

In conclusion, human rights advocacy and responsible media reporting are essential to a healthy democratic society. They protect fundamental freedoms, encourage accountability, and empower citizens to participate meaningfully in governance. When guided by integrity, professionalism, and respect for the law, both institutions contribute significantly to peace, justice, sustainable development, and the strengthening of democracy.

*CHRAD Malawi*
05.08.2026

20/07/2026

As Malawi remembers the victims of the July 2011 demonstrations, there should also be room for honest reflection on the responsibilities of everyone involved.

Remembering those who lost their lives should not only focus on the actions of the state but also on the role of those who organized and mobilized the demonstrations.

If it is found that the planning, conduct, or management of the protests contributed to circumstances that led to the loss of life, then the Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) should openly acknowledge any shortcomings and, where appropriate, offer an apology to the bereaved families. Accountability should apply equally to all parties whose actions or omissions contributed to the tragedy.

The concerns that were raised at the time—including fuel shortages, foreign exchange challenges, and alleged human rights violations—have continued to surface in different periods under successive governments. Likewise, during the 2019–2020 demonstrations, Malawians witnessed incidents of violence, including the use of panga knives and damage to property, raising broader questions about how public demonstrations are organized and safeguarded.

These experiences invite an important discussion: if HRDC presents itself as a leading human rights advocacy organization, how does it assess its own role in ensuring that demonstrations remain peaceful, lawful, and protective of both human life and property? Public confidence in human rights advocacy is strengthened when organizations are willing to evaluate their own actions with the same commitment to accountability that they expect from governments and other institutions.

Ultimately, justice requires an impartial assessment of all actors involved. Human rights are best protected when accountability, transparency, and the rule of law apply equally to everyone, regardless of their position or affiliation.

12/07/2026

Press Release
12th July, 2026

CHRAD Malawi Calls for a Thorough Investigation into Persistent Fuel Shortages in Malawi's Lakeshore Districts

The Campaign for Human Rights Accountability and Democracy (CHRAD Malawi) expresses concern over the persistent fuel shortages affecting many lakeshore communities in Malawi, including Sengabay in Salima. These shortages continue to disrupt transportation, fishing activities, businesses, and the daily lives of citizens.

CHRAD Malawi is calling upon the Ministry of Energy, the Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA), law enforcement agencies, and other relevant authorities to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the causes of these recurring shortages.

There have been allegations from members of the public that some fuel attendants demand unofficial payments of up to MK100,000 for the refilling of a 210-litre drum, with claims that some of the fuel may later be diverted for illegal resale or smuggling outside Malawi. These allegations require an impartial and evidence-based investigation. CHRAD Malawi is not presenting these claims as established facts but believes they should be thoroughly examined by the relevant authorities.

We also urge authorities to investigate the entire fuel distribution chain in lakeshore areas to determine whether weaknesses in supply systems, illegal trading, or cross-border smuggling are contributing to the shortages. Anyone found violating the law should be held accountable in accordance with Malawi's laws.

CHRAD Malawi remains committed to promoting transparency, accountability, good governance, and the protection of the livelihoods of Malawians who depend on a stable and accessible fuel supply.
This version clearly distinguishes allegations from verified facts while making a strong call for official investigation and accountability.

CHRAD Malawi
Lilongwe
Email [email protected]

05/06/2026

Happy World Environment Day

03/06/2026

With Stella Justice Nnennaya – I just got recognized as one of their top fans! 🎉

03/06/2026

With International Peace Commission - IPC - Headquarters – I just got recognized as one of their top fans! 🎉

31/05/2026

26/05/2026

14/05/2026

Statement of commendation