HISTORY OF THE REPUBLIC OF MALAWI
BRITISH INTERESTS
The British had special interest in Nyasaland (now Malawi) from the missionaries to government officials. First, through Dr. David Livingstone, Malawi was explored and information about the territory sent back to the United Kingdom. Missionaries then came and dwelt amongst the primitive people. The British government made effort to get hold of Nyasaland and turned it into a protectorate.
INDEPENDENCE
Like in many African countries, the struggle for independence in Nyasaland had began! Education and religion introduced by the Europeans had enlightened the natives so much that they could now see clearly and began to claim for self-rule and self-determination. Malawians, led by the Malawi Congress Party demanded freedom from British control and the struggle sow people losing their lives in various parts of the country. Artefacts from the era of struggle for self-rule still remain and can be viewed in the Museums or at the National Archives of Malawi. For example, in Nkhatabay district there is a graveyard for freedom fighters, the natives who were shot dead during the struggle. Used military cannisters are also available at the Livingstonia plateau museum, Rumphi district. Malawi became independent from British rule on 6th July 1964.
PRESIDENTS