Bujumbura, Burundi - A strike by magistrates, who are demanding improved welfare,  has paralyzed Burundi's justice system since Thursday, PANA learnt from union officials in Bujumbura. The President of the Union of Magistrates of Burundi (SYMABU), Vital Nshimirimana, said the magistrates went on strike following government's refusal to meet their demands.

Bemoaning their poor welfare for about 11 years, the magistrates gave the government notice of their strike on 7 February.

According to Nshimirimana, government turned a deaf ear to their notice and this left the magistrates with no option to the strike.

The magistrates are asking for better and decent working conditions, including better salaries.

They cite the disparity between their salaries and those of magistrates in other courts in the country.

'A magistrate in the Court of Appeal would receive a salary lower than the housing allowance of a magistrate in the anti-corruption court,' Nshimirimana said, warning that the 14-day strike could be extended if government failed to respond to their demands.

Pana 19/02/2011