President Lazarus Chakwera has strongly urged Malawian youth to resist being used as instruments of political violence as the country prepares for its upcoming general elections.

He made the appeal on Wednesday during the launch of the 2025 National Youth Summit held at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe.

Addressing a gathering of young leaders and development partners, President Chakwera expressed deep concern over the persistent trend of politicians exploiting young people to incite violence for political gain.

“It is disheartening that some politicians still believe the easiest path to power is through violence,” said Chakwera.

“What is even more tragic is that it is the youth who are often used to fuel such unrest. I urge you to guard your future jealously and refuse to be manipulated as tools of politically engineered violence.”

Before the President’s remarks, United Nations Resident Coordinator Rebecca Adda-Dontoh delivered a similar message, urging young people to use their energy and influence to build rather than destroy. She emphasized that violence has no place in a democratic society.

“Violence can never be a substitute for democracy,” Adda-Dontoh said. “The dignity of dialogue and peaceful engagement must always be upheld.”

Reacting to the calls, Debora Chuma, a young participant from Mchinji, highlighted the economic realities that make youth vulnerable to political manipulation.

“Many young people lack economic opportunities,” she said.

“That’s why they’re easily swayed by politicians offering financial incentives in exchange for their involvement in political conflicts.”