History of Malawi

Early History

The earliest 'stones and bones' in Malawi date back more than one million years in the form of stone implements and Hominid remnants. The earliest inhabitants of the area were Khoisan hunter-gatherers (the original locals of much of southern Africa prior to the migration of Bantu speaking people into the area around 1000 BC).

Contact and Commandeer

Portuguese explorers and merchants reached the area in the 16th century trading with local tribes in agricultural products and ivory, but this had no major implications for the local populace. The first consequential Western contact came with the arrival of Scottish missionary and explorer David Livingstone in 1859. Other missionaries followed suit, with one of their main aims being the abolishment of the slavery trade pervading Africa.

The establishment of the African Lakes Company in 1871, whose aim it was to supply these people with goods and supplies, made it easier for more Europeans to migrate to what was then called Nyasaland, (originating from 'nyanja' meaning 'lake' in Chichewa).

Nyasaland was declared a British Protectorate in 1891. Although the British remained in control during the first half of the twentieth century, there were a number of unsuccessful attempts by locals to obtain independence. With a growing, albeit elite, number of Africans being educated in the United States and Europe, a strengthening political voice began arguing for independence. This voice became unified in the Nyasaland African Congress (NAC), in operation after 1944.

The British incorporated Nyasaland with Northern and Southern Rhodesia in 1953, and formed 'The Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland' (also known as the Central African Federation). In 1958, Dr. Hastings Banda returned to the country after studying in the United States and Scotland, and practising medicine in the United Kingdom. He became leader of the NAC, which later became the Malawi Congress Party (MCP).

The Death of Colonialism

With the slow death of colonialism during the late 1950's and early 1960's, the U.K was under an increasing amount of international pressure with respect to its presence in Africa. Despite this Dr. Banda was imprisoned in 1959-1960 for his political sensibilities, but was released in 1960. The Federation collapsed at the end of 1963, and Nyasaland became the independent nation of Malawi in 1964.

In 1966, with Dr. Banda as its first President, Malawi became both a republic, and a one-party state. At independence, a commission was set up to find a new name for Nyasaland. Malawi was chosen because it was inspired by the word 'malavi', meaning haze, or reflected light. This word was seen as a reference to the sun rising over the lake, with new rays of hope for the new country. Opinion on this subject is divided as some sources believe the name Malawi is derived from the Maravi - a Bantu tribe who migrated from the southern Congo roughly 600 years ago.

In 1970 Dr. Banda was declared President for life of the MCP, and in 1971 Banda was named 'President for Life' of Malawi - an official, yet somewhat bogus title used by dictators to attempt ensure they remain in power indefinitely (Earlier alumni include Julius Caesar and Napoleon)

Free At Last

On June 14, 1993, after increasing international pressure and civil unrest, Malawi held a referendum in which the people voted overwhelmingly in favor of multi-party democracy. The first fully democratic elections were held on May 17, 1994 in which Bakili Muluzi was elected Malawi's President. Malawi's newly written constitution in 1995 eliminated the special powers created and abused in the past by the Malawi Congress Party.

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