A map of the action

Just an update from the safety of our home. We're fine. Jon made a map to make it easier for you all to see the situation. The red Xs are where much of the action is - they look close, but they are at least a mile away, and most areas are several miles away. Our home (blue) is away from the major action, but within earshot.


Anyway, since our last update, this is what we have learned:

• Current riots and looting in the areas with the Xs - including grocery stores, Chinese-owned businesses, political offices, and market stalls.
• Area 25 gun shots and police firing to disperse crowds
• In a local church where protester leaders tried to take refuge yesterday, both political activists and journalists were attacked by police and beaten.
• In a shopping area in a neighboring area, a police car was burned and people were told to evacuate the surrounding buildings, including an office where many of our friends work.
• 9 dead and several dozen injured in Mzuzu to the north. We hear about more dead in Lilongwe this morning, but we cannot confirm it.
• The roads into and out of town are blocked; we hear (unconfirmed) that no flights took off yesterday.
• Cars on the road last night and today have been stoned by angry crowds
  
• Many are blaming the police for escalating and provoking crowds
  

In response to these events, there have been repeated calls for calm from civil society leaders this morning on the radio. The radio messages remind everyone that protests were scheduled yesterday; today's unsanctioned madness is not helping anyone. The civil society groups are asking people to remember that the people's petition was delivered, and that the government was given a month to respond. They ask for peace while they wait for a response to their demands from the government.

We hear that the President is supposed to speak at any time. I am not sure if that will make the situation better or worse...

More later as events unfold.