By Rahim Abdul
The Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) has urged President Peter Mutharika to urgently address conditions in Malawi’s prisons and other detention facilities.
The organisation says overcrowding, inadequate food and poor sanitation are among the major challenges affecting inmates across the country.
In a letter dated August 31, 2026, CDEDI Executive Director Sylvester Namiwa expressed concern over the state of prisons and called for immediate government intervention.
Namiwa said prisons should not only serve as places of punishment for people convicted of offences, but should also help inmates reform and prepare for their eventual reintegration into society.
According to CDEDI, the current conditions in some correctional facilities are making it difficult for inmates to live in a safe and dignified environment.
The organisation has therefore asked President Mutharika to consider allocating a special budget to the Malawi Prison Service to improve the welfare of inmates.
CDEDI says such funding could also help address allegations that some prison officials demand money from inmates in exchange for basic necessities such as food and blankets.
Namiwa has further called for a comprehensive assessment of all prisons in the country to establish the actual number of inmates and determine the reasons behind their detention.
He said the exercise should also identify inmates who remain in prison simply because they are unable to pay fines imposed by the courts.
CDEDI has cited Maula Prison in Lilongwe as an example of the challenges facing the country’s correctional system.
Namiwa said more than 90 remand prisoners at Maula Prison are reportedly sleeping on the floor in a small, open space while awaiting the conclusion of their cases.
CDEDI has consequently appealed to the government to treat prison reforms as a matter of urgency, arguing that improving conditions in detention facilities would protect inmates’ rights while supporting rehabilitation and successful reintegration into communities.
