International

UN urges tolerance after Malawi’s hijab row sparks violence

The United Nations has called for religious tolerance in Malawi after two girls were prevented from attending a school in Balaka town, about 206 km (128 miles) south-west of the capital Lilongwe, for wearing a hijab

The Monday incident at M’manga school sparked violence between Christian and Muslim groups that left at least two people seriously injured, according to local newspaper The Daily Times

.Shops, a mosque, an Anglican church and a priest’s house were also destroyed, the paper reports.

The Anglican Church, which runs the school, had stopped students from wearing hijabs in the school.

United Nations Resident Coordinator Maria Jose Torres has urged Malawians to “respect each other’s religious beliefs and engage in peaceful dialogue to resolve:”

Her statement reads:

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