Not long after Health Workers were on strike, raising grievances amidst the coronavirus pandemic, Malawi Prison staff across the country have also begun a strike, demanding the government to give them an allocation from the K157 billion Covid-19 fund.

Prison warders at Chichiri Prison in Blantyre, Zomba Maximum Prison and Maula Prison in Lilongwe have stopped working, leaving prisoners in their cells as Malawi Prisons Service chief commissioner Wandika Phiri commented that the strike is unlawful.

Weeks ago, President Mutharika directed Malawi Prisons to pardon some prisoners as means to decongest the cells. While the prisons still remain at high risk of contact due to lack of social distancing, Phiri summoned leaders of the sit-in strike for a meeting but negotiations with the junior staff broke down.

The prison warders are also demanding promotions which the government promised them early last year.