By Burnett Munthali

A bold and striking poster circulating across social media platforms is calling on Malawi’s youth and citizens to rise up against corruption and reclaim their power through digital activism.

The poster, emblazoned with the words “Malawi Youth & Citizens: Rise Up!”, presents a powerful visual message that positions the mobile phone as a modern instrument of accountability and civic resistance.

At the centre of the artwork stands a resolute figure holding a smartphone displaying hashtags such as #MalawiAntiCorruption, #CitizenPower and #ExposeTheSyndicates, symbolising the growing role of online platforms in shaping public discourse.

The imagery further depicts broken chains and raised fists, conveying a sense of liberation and collective defiance against entrenched systems of corruption.

Accompanying slogans such as “Your Phone Is Your Weapon”, “Speak Out” and “Demand Justice” reinforce the message that ordinary citizens possess tools capable of challenging powerful interests.

The poster explicitly urges Malawians to utilise social media to fight corruption within the judiciary, public institutions and government structures, while asserting that no one is above the law.
Renowned Malawian writer and commentator Onjezani Kenani has expressed support for the idea behind the poster, lending intellectual and moral weight to the campaign’s underlying message.

Kenani’s endorsement signals a broader recognition among thought leaders that digital platforms have become crucial arenas for civic engagement and democratic accountability.

In recent years, social media has emerged as a powerful space in Malawi where citizens debate governance issues, expose alleged wrongdoing and mobilise public opinion.

The poster taps into this evolving reality by encouraging young people, who constitute the majority of the population, to transform their online presence into an organised force for transparency.

Its bold design, incorporating national colours and imagery associated with corruption and state power, underscores the urgency of confronting systemic malpractice.

By linking citizen action directly to institutions such as the judiciary and government, the message suggests that accountability must extend across all arms of the state.

The call for vigilance and exposure of syndicates reflects growing public frustration over high-profile corruption cases that have dominated national conversation.

Supporters of the initiative argue that digital activism offers a relatively accessible and immediate means of participation for young Malawians who may otherwise feel excluded from formal political processes.

Critics, however, may caution that online engagement must be complemented by responsible conduct, factual accuracy and adherence to the rule of law to avoid misinformation or undue harm.

Nevertheless, the central theme of the poster resonates strongly with the democratic principle that sovereignty ultimately rests with the people.

By encouraging citizens to speak out and demand justice, the campaign seeks to cultivate a culture of accountability grounded in collective responsibility.

The involvement and support of respected public intellectuals such as Kenani may further amplify the message and stimulate informed national dialogue.

As Malawi continues to grapple with governance challenges, initiatives that empower citizens to scrutinise authority are likely to remain at the forefront of public debate.

Whether this poster evolves into a broader movement or remains a symbolic statement, it has undeniably ignited conversation about the power of youth, technology and civic courage in the fight against corruption.