20 killed in Malawi gun battle
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.BLANTYRE (Reuter, AP) - Up to 20 people were killed in fighting yesterday between helicopter- backed Malawian troops and the military youth group, the Young Pioneers, in the capital, Lilongwe, after authorities ordered the army to disarm them.
Witnesses said troops stormed buildings occupied by the Pioneers, a much-feared force used by the Malawi Congress Party of the ailing President, Hastings Kamuzu Banda, to spy on Malawians and enforce obedience to one- party rule.
Violence subsided as night fell, but several vehicles were ablaze and soldiers ignored a government broadcast on state radio to return to their barracks, a Western diplomat said.
A resident who spoke on condition of anonymity said the main hospital in Lilongwe reported 20 people had died, most from gunshot wounds. He said armed soldiers marched on the Young Pioneers' headquarters, to protest against the killing of two soldiers by the group on Wednesday.
In that incident, Young Pioneers in the northern town of Mzuzu allegedly went on a drinking binge and opened fire on a regional government office, killing two government soldiers.
The diplomat said Malawi's ruling presidential council met yesterday and ordered the Young Pioneers be disarmed because of the killings.
Civilians cheered the soldiers for moving against the unpopular Young Pioneers, seen as a symbol of years of oppressive rule, according to the diplomat. The group's headquarters were looted and gutted by fire, he said.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments