By Burnett Munthali
The streets of Lilongwe were filled with tension today as demonstrations turned chaotic, leaving many businesses and individuals counting their losses.
What began as a peaceful protest quickly escalated into unrest, with reports of looting and destruction spreading across the city.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of confusion as demonstrators clashed with law enforcement officers, while opportunistic individuals took advantage of the situation to break into shops and steal goods.
“At this point, it’s hard to say who is stealing from whom—everyone has been affected,” said one shop owner who was left devastated after his business was ransacked.
Both large and small business owners suffered losses, with some reporting that their entire stock had been looted within minutes.
Market vendors, who rely on daily sales for survival, were not spared either, as their goods were forcefully taken by unidentified individuals in the heat of the chaos.
“It is painful because we joined the demonstrations to demand better economic policies, not to destroy each other’s livelihoods,” lamented one vendor, whose entire stock of fresh produce was stolen.
Law enforcement authorities struggled to contain the situation, with reports indicating that some officers were overwhelmed by the sheer number of demonstrators.
Tear gas was fired in several locations in an attempt to disperse the crowds, but by then, the damage had already been done.
Political and economic frustrations fueled the protests, with demonstrators expressing their anger over the rising cost of living, lack of job opportunities, and government policies that they say are making life unbearable.
However, the destruction and looting that followed have left many questioning whether the demonstrations achieved their intended purpose or simply added more suffering to an already struggling population.
As the dust settles, business owners, vendors, and affected citizens are left wondering who will compensate them for their losses.
With the country already facing economic difficulties, today’s events have only deepened the crisis, leaving many with little hope for recovery.
For now, the nation waits to see how the government will respond, both to the grievances that sparked the protests and the destruction that followed.
What is certain, however, is that the events of today will not be forgotten anytime soon.
