Malawi: Unionized truck drivers to stage nationwide strike Aug. 14

Unionized truck drivers, including those affiliated with the Truck Drivers Union of Malawi (TDUM), are planning to stage a nationwide strike on Aug. 14. The purpose of the labor action is to denounce the perceived failure of the country's Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services to renew truck drivers' passports in a timely manner. Some truck drivers are reportedly planning to stage associated demonstrations. Locations where related protests may materialize include the M1 road from the Kanengo area of Lilongwe toward Kamuzu International Airport (LLW), the M1 road in the vicinity of the Petroda fuel station near the Blantyre exit, and the M12 road from the Gateway Mall in Lilongwe toward the Mchinji border crossing station. The number of truck drivers that may participate in the strike and any associated protests was not immediately clear.

The strike, unless averted, will likely disrupt freight transport across the country and may cause business disruptions in some areas. Disruptions to passenger transport will likely affect areas subject to protest activity. Authorities will almost certainly dispatch security forces to the sites of any demonstrations that materialize. Clashes between protesting truck drivers and security forces cannot be ruled out, particularly if protesting truck drivers attempt to block vehicular traffic or ignore any orders from authorities to disperse.