Exercising his rights as Commander-In-Chief, President Peter Mutharika, has ordered Malawi Defence Force and Malawi Police Service to stop the planned airports and border districts shutdown set for next week. Times 360 has revealed that during the commissioning MDF warship today, Mutharika urged the officers to use necessary force.

The directive comes in response to nationwide demonstrations that will be held at border posts and airports, as revealed by Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) Chairperson Timothy Mtambo. The demos, dated to take place on 26th to 30th August, are demanding for the resignation of the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) Chairperson, Jane Ansah.

Commenting further, President Peter Mutharika described the planned protests as treasonous saying that the failure to respect the borders is an indication that MCP, UTM, HRDC and their followers do not respect the leadership of the country. The directive also follows a moderate trade fair that was only attended by 3 foreign exhibitors, while 4 pulled out due to political tension in the country.