Business came to a standstill in the Limbe suburb of Blantyre on Thursday as second-hand clothes vendors in Malawi’s commercial capital staged a protest against soaring prices that have made their livelihoods increasingly difficult.
The demonstration saw protesters blocking roads with rocks and boulders while some burned tyres to express their frustration.
Police were deployed to disperse the crowd using teargas as tensions escalated during the protest.
The unrest followed a significant increase in the cost of basic commodities and bales of second-hand clothing, which are vital for many Malawians who rely on affordable apparel options.
In recent months, inflation has surged across the country, exacerbating economic hardships faced by low-income families.
Vendors argue that without government intervention to control these price hikes, their businesses – and consequently their ability to support their families – are at risk.
Second-hand clothing plays a crucial role in Malawi’s economy as it provides affordable fashion alternatives for millions and supports numerous local vendors.
The protest came a day after President Lazarus Chakwera fired his trade minister Sosten Gwengwe following a similar demonstration in the capital Lilongwe on Tuesday over a cost-of-living crisis in the southern African nation.
Gwengwe was replaced with former labour minister Vitumbiko Mumba.
Chakwera also attributed the country’s crippling hyperinflation to an alleged cartel involving Asian businessmen and certain political figures.
JN/APA