Media watchdog MISA Malawi has described 2024 as a year marred by violence, intimidation, and misuse of cybersecurity laws to suppress critical voices, despite notable strides in media freedom and access to information.
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In a statement released on January 1, 2025, MISA Malawi Chairperson Golden Matonga acknowledged positive developments, including renewed government commitments and improved broadcasting diversity.
However, Matonga lamented persistent attacks on journalists, restrictions on freedom of expression, and a shrinking civic space.
According to Matonga, Gregory Gondwe of Platform for Investigative Journalism (PIJ), Yasin Limu of Television Islam, Macmillan Mhone of Malawi24, Cathy Maulidi of Times Group, Isaac Salima of Times Group, and other journalists from Nation Publications Limited, and Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) were among those who faced escalating threats and attacks, including detentions, assaults, confiscation of equipment, forced deletion of content, and intimidation through physical and digital means, reflecting a troubling erosion of press freedom.
“The pattern of attacks on journalists in the year under review can easily be construed as deliberate to muzzle, frustrate and even destroy the free and independent media in Malawi,” Matonga said.
Despite these shortfalls, MISA Malawi has also highlighted progress in fostering media diversity and access to information.
In May 2024, the Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) ordered the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to comply with an Access to Information request by journalist Suzgo Chitete, a decision that Matonga described as a “victory for accountability and transparency.”
“In news that delighted MISA Malawi, in May, the Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) ordered Ministry of Foreign Affairs to comply with an Access to Information Law request by Nation Publications Limited (NPL) journalist Suzgo Chitete. Chitete’s initial request for information on staff and diplomats in Malawi’s foreign missions was rejected by the Ministry on grounds that the information may compromise national security,” said Matonga.
Additionally, the allocation of new radio frequencies by the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) also marked a significant milestone, signaling progress in achieving pluralism in broadcasting.
MISA Malawi has meanwhile urged authorities to address systemic issues, including reviewing the Cybersecurity Act and ending impunity for crimes against journalists.
“We call on the police to arrest and prosecute those who attack journalists. This will send a strong message to would-be offenders,” Matonga emphasized.
As Malawi heads toward the 2025 general elections, MISA Malawi has also appealed to political parties and stakeholders to uphold constitutional freedoms.
