Lilongwe, February 19, 2025: The Malawi Police Service (MPS), in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), convened a workshop in Lilongwe to review and validate the revised Public Order Management Policy. 

The event brought together key stakeholders, including security agencies, justice institutions, civil society organisations, and government representatives, to assess and refine the policy. Revisions were made to ensure that the policy aligns with human rights standards and best practices and specific changes such as police accountability and the use of force. 

The validation workshop marked a critical milestone in the ongoing efforts to reform police public order management practices and ensure the policy aligns with contemporary challenges and opportunities. 

In his opening remarks, Dr Noel Kayira, Commissioner of the Malawi Police Service in the Southeast region, emphasised the significance of the policy review. He highlighted that the process was prompted by lessons learned from past public demonstrations, particularly protests in 2011 that resulted in the loss of approximately 20 lives.

“One of the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry set up to investigate the protests was that the police develop a policy to guide subsequent assemblies and demonstrations,” he said.

This led to the introduction of the first Public Order Management policy in 2013, which remained in effect until 2018. In 2020, a second edition was developed to enhance the police response to public gatherings and protests.

Speaking on behalf of the Resident Representative, the UNDP Elections Chief Technical Advisor, Mr Isaack Otieno, stressed the importance of this validation process in reinforcing police accountability, community engagement, and human rights adherence.

"Validating this policy is not just a procedural step; it is a collective effort to align policing practices with international standards and the aspirations of the communities they serve," he said. 

Mr Otieno added that the ultimate goal is to build trust between the police and the public, ensuring that law enforcement actions are guided by respect, transparency, and integrity.

He emphasised that validating the Public Order Management policy is crucial in ensuring a peaceful electoral process as Malawi prepares for the 2025 elections. 

During the validation workshop, experts from various fields shared best practices and innovative approaches to public order management. The Malawi Defence Force also discussed case studies that illustrated the successful implementation of public order management policies in different contexts.

As the workshop concluded, Dr Rowland Cole, the UNDP Chief Technical Advisor for the Rule of Law, thanked all attendees for their contributions. "Your insights are invaluable in shaping policies that not only meet regulatory standards but also enhance the quality of life for the citizens of Malawi," he remarked.