Malawi Rocked by Riots: Eyewitness Video

Malawi Riots: At least 10 Killed in Anti-Government Demonstrations

Across Malawi, citizens are demonstrating against their government. This has led to bloody clashes with riot police, and at least ten people have already been killed.

• Malawi Map: If you just asked, "Where is Malawi?", it's in Southern Africa, bordered by Zambia, Mozambique and Tanzania, and on the west by Lake Malawi.

The Malawi riots have caused widespread property damage, which led to a police crackdown. This has led to accusations of police brutality, as riot police have used live ammunition against demonstrators armed only with rocks.

Why Are There Riots in Malawi?

Malawians are rioting due to fuel shortages. Fuel rationing has led to overnight queues at filling stations, and has also caused electrical generators to run down.

Also, foreign exchange shortages have led to limitations on currency exports, which hinders international business. While Malawi's has been growing over the years, it's still one of the world's poorest countries. Nearly 2/3 of the population lives on less than US$2 per day.

This is why Malawians are so angry: they expect better from President Bingu wa Mutharika (born Ryson Webster Thom), who used to be an economist for the World Bank. Malawians are calling for Bingu wa Mutharika to resign.

Malawi relies heavily on foreign aid, and has been burning its bridges with donors by not addressing persistent political and economic problems, including the stifling of democratic dissent. These bloody riots do nothing to strengthen Mutharika's case.

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Malawi Riots

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