Another Protest Planned

The recent protests in Malawi turned to riots with at least 18 killed. Another protest is planned August 17th (the day we would have to be in the city to fly back). The group is fairly split on whether we should postpone or cancel the trip - or whether we should brave the situation and try to leave one day earlier - hoping for the best.

Part of the concern is that it is not really clear to us what the riots are about anymore. They started as demonstrations against an oppressive, out-of-touch president whose policies are harming the population (http://alittlegirlintheworld.blogspot.com/2011/07/tension.html). But there are also indications (rumors) that the unrest is also being fueled by xenophobia (anti-Chinese) sentiments - feelings of being exploited, etc.

Not to mention Ethiopia, where we will be taking a layover, is suffering from starvation and drought right now. Not quite sure what to do here.