Malawi History, MAHECAS UK
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History of Malawi

The recorded history of the Malawi region begins in about the 14th century. This is about the time that Bantu-speaking people settled the area, and formed the Mavari confederacy. This new "state" covered much of what is now the central and southern regions of Malawi, (and large areas of current Mozambique and Tanzania). About a century later the Ngonde territory was formed to the north, and in the 18th century settlers from the east formed the Chikulamayembe state between these. Over time agriculture and government developed, but the natural development was interrupted in the late 18th century. This is when the slave trade began to affect the area. Foreign settlers then came to the area in the 19th century.

In the 1860s two major religions were introduced. Islam was spread to the region from East Africa by slave traders. Christianity was introduced by David Livingstone and his fellow Scottish missionaries. The British set up a colonial government system in the area in the 1890s. They offered protection to the European missionaries, leading to the successful spread of Christianity.

In 1891 the British introduced the "Nyasaland Districts Protectorate"., which became the "British Central Africa Protectorate" in 1893. In 1907 this became "Nyasaland". The next half century saw major developments in Nyasaland's infrastructure. However, this was for the new settlers and little was done to improve the lives of the African inhabitants.

In the 1950s the British joined the "Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland", despite vehement opposition from the African inhabitants. About this time a small but significant nationalist movement started, and in 1958 Hastings Kamuzu Banda took over its leadership. It then gained in strength and in 1961 elections were held. The Malawi Congress Party (MCP), led by Hastings Banda, won these decisively. In January 1963 the federation was dissolved and the MCP were given full governing powers.

On 6th July 1964 independence was gained, and the new state of Malawi joined the Commonwealth. 2 years later the country became the Republic of Malawi with Banda as president. In 1971 he was elected as president for life and he then ruled with an iron fist for over 2 decades. No opposition was tolerated, and critics were silenced by whatever means necessary. Opposers were jailed, and some believe killed.

In 1992 the criticism of Banda and his style of government reached a high. In that year the groups Alliance for Democracy (AFFORD) and United Democratic Front (UDF) were formed. By the year end Banda reluctantly agreed to a national referendum on the introduction of a multi-party system. 63% of voters [67% turnout] voted for its introduction in June 1993. Soon after the constitution was amended to allow registration of opposition political parties.

Much political wrangling took place over the next year, during which AFORD and MCP became legal opposition parties. In this period Banda also fell seriously ill, but made a full and unexpected recovery. In May 1994 elections were held which Bakili Muluzi's UDF party won, a new provisional constitution was adopted, and Bakili Muluzi was officially inaugurated as president. Much has happened in the "settling" period since then. However, the framework has been laid for a potentially peaceful and successful future for a democratic Malawi.