The U.S. Embassy in Malawi has advised American citizens to exercise increased caution following the announcement that the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) will release the results of the September 16 presidential election at 2:00 p.m. on September 24. The embassy warned that the announcement may lead to protests or celebratory gatherings, which could disrupt traffic and potentially escalate into violence.
In Lilongwe, demonstrations have historically taken place along major roads such as Presidential Way, M-1, and Kenyatta Drive, often starting or ending at landmarks like Parliament Building, Memorial Tower, the District Commissioner’s Office, or Town Hall. However, officials noted that gatherings could occur anywhere in the city.
To minimize risk to staff and visitors, the embassy will close early at noon on September 24. Emergency American Citizen Services will remain available, but non-emergency appointments scheduled for that afternoon will be rescheduled. International schools in Lilongwe are also sending students home early to avoid possible disruptions to school bus routes.
In Blantyre, demonstrations typically begin in Limbe and proceed along Kamuzu highway toward the city center. In Zomba, protests often center around the University of Malawi and Chancellor College Road. In Mzuzu, demonstrators usually gather at the Y junction between M1 and M5 before moving along Luginga Road through downtown areas.
The embassy cautioned that demonstrations can happen outside these typical locations as well. "Even peaceful demonstrations could escalate into violence and spread, and security forces sometimes deploy tear gas to control crowds," stated embassy officials. "The Embassy therefore recommends avoiding crowds."
U.S. citizens are encouraged to have an emergency plan in place and ensure they have enough food, water, medicine, and other supplies in case of roadblocks or supply chain disruptions related to election events. They should monitor local media for updates and minimize unnecessary movements.
The embassy provided contact information for both regular business hours and after-hours emergencies for U.S. citizens needing assistance in Malawi. Additional resources include registering with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for security updates via https://mw.usembassy.gov.