UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 6 (Xinhua) -- A UN official was concerned over the violence that erupted in Malawi after at least two people were seriously injured in a clash between Christians and Muslims, a UN spokesman said on Wednesday.
Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said the UN resident coordinator in the southern African nation, Maria Jose Torres, is concerned over the violence that erupted in Balaka on Monday.
"She is particularly worried by reports that the violence started after two girls were prevented from attending school for wearing hijabs," Dujarric said.
He said Torres "called on all Malawians to respect each other's religious beliefs and engage in peaceful dialogue to resolve differences."
The spokesman said the resident coordinator also called on state authorities "to ensure that all people of Malawi are able to exercise their beliefs and cultural practices free from persecution and discrimination."
Malawi is predominantly a Christian country, with a sizable Muslim population. It has seen continuing post-election violence since President Peter Mutharika won re-election in May.
