At least 33 people have been arrested at demonstrations in Malawi, including the organisers, after police accused them of inciting violence.People frustrated with rising living costs and government corruption joined the protests, which began in the cities of Blantyre and Zomba on Thursday, before spreading to the capital city of Lilongwe on Friday.
They say cabinet ministers and senior government officials already under corruption investigation must be investigated, not just fired or forced to resign.
Earlier this week Agriculture Minister Lobin Lowe and his deputy, Madalitso Wirima, were sacked for alleged incompetence and negligence by the president.
According to the presidency, the agriculture ministry had failed to follow correct procedures when trying to source fertiliser from a British firm, which has since demanded a commission fee of about $725,000 (£627,000) from Malawi despite the contract being cancelled.The government is now paying this sum even though they are getting nothing in return.
Multiple newspapers in Malawi – including the Nyasa Times and the Times of Malawi – allege the government was duped. The company has not commented publicly on the claims.
Despite the arrests of protesters on Friday, more anti-government rallies are planned in the northern city of Mzuzu.