Hijab Row Sparks Violence in Malawi

Violence erupted in the town of Balaka on Monday, about 206km southeast of the capital Linongwe, after two girls were prevented from going to school because they were wearing a hijab.

The incident sparked violent clashes between the Christian and Muslim communities, resulting in two people being seriously injured.

Homes and businesses were targeting, and a mosque and an Anglian church also suffered damage.

The United Nations Resident Coordinator Maria Jose Torres released a statement yesterday saying “The rights to freedom of expression and religion are fundamental rights that ensure human dignity and a functional democracy.

“The United Nations calls on all Malawians to respect each other’s religious beliefs and engage in peaceful dialogue to resolve differences.  

“We also call on State authorities to ensure that all people of Malawi are able to exercise their beliefs and cultural practices free from persecution and discrimination”.

This is not the first time that religious tensions have arisen over girls wearing hijabs to school.

Last month classes had to be suspended in three primary schools and a secondary school due to disagreements between the Anglican Church and the Muslim community over what Muslim students should be allowed to wear.