Malawi police arrest 2 prominent LGBT rights activists

Police in Malawi have arrested Gift Trapence, the leader of the country’s main LGBTI rights organization, the Centre for Development of People (CEDEP).

Gift Trapence, director of the LGBTI rights group Centre for Development of People (CEDEP) (Photo courtesy of Nyasa Times)

Also arrested was the Rev. Macdonald Sembereka, a prominent Anglican priest and activist.

The charge against Trapence was fraud at CEPED “involving millions of Kwacha.” (A million kwacha is worth about U.S. $80,000.)

According to Malawi24, “State broadcaster MBC reported that an international organization complained to the Malawi Police about Trapence’s alleged fraudulent activities.”

Malawi President Peter Mutharika

The timing of the arrests was noteworthy, coming shortly after newly re-elected President Peter Mutharika accused Trapence of seeking to turn Malawi into “a lawless society” through protests related to last May’s election.  The protests were organized by the Human Rights Defenders Coalition, where Trapence is co-chairperson and Sembereka is a member.

Trapence denied Mutharika’s claim, saying that the protests targeted  Malawi Electoral Commission chairperson Jane Ansah.

“We are not attacking the government; and no one wants to overthrow the government. These peaceful demonstrations are being done to force Jane Ansah to resign,” Trapence said.

However, the nationwide protests were marred by violence when some protesters looted shops, burned tires and battled police.

According to Malawi Freedom Network, “National Police Spokesperson James Kadadzera said police have arrested the two for misappropriation of donor aid money, with the complaint being lodged by the United Nations (UN) Agency.”

That article added, “while attracting eye brows, the arrest of the two human rights defenders has surprised many people, who are wondering as to why, their arrest comes at the pick of their heavy criticism of government, amid dissatisfaction over poor management of elections by the state appointed Charperson of the electoral body, Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC).”