Recently in Karonga, angry settlers protested against what they called “too many roadblocks” that were inhibiting the growth of small-scale businesses due to alleged MRA and police officers’ corrupt practices. In reaction the demonstrators removed the roadblocks, as Minister of Homeland Security Nicholas Dausi has said that is a threat to the country’s security.

“We need checkpoints to scrutinise who are entering. It is unfortunate that people resorted to removing the roadblocks,” he said. On the other hand, Member of Parliament for the region,  Mungasulwa Mwambande, donated shelters at Iponga and Rukuru roadblocks, aiming to resume normal roadblock operations.

In the same week as the Karong protests, business owners in Mzuzu protested against (among others) Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) newly introduced carbon tax, on a condition that MRA explains the justification of the tax. A petition addressed to MRA commissioner general Tom Malata,  demands for the removal of some personnel from the tax authority, there are sexual harassment allegations towards some officials towards MRA officials who are involved in cross-border trade, especially those going to Tunduma and Kyela in Tanzania.