Malawi Defence Force faces questions over detention of 17 individuals, including Pakistani nationals

By Burnett Munthali

The Malawi Defence Force (MDF) is currently under scrutiny for its prolonged detention of 17 individuals, including Pakistani nationals who were arrested in a previous operation aimed at removing refugees. The detainees have remained in custody, prompting concerns and questions regarding their status and the reasons behind their continued confinement.

According to reports from The Investigator Magazine, some of the detainees are being held near the guardroom at Kamuzu Barracks, while others are located in a house near a tuckshop, where an Asian woman with a baby is also reportedly detained. Despite these observations, authorities have not provided clear explanations as to why these individuals have not been deported or repatriated to their respective countries of origin.

The situation raises significant human rights and legal concerns, particularly regarding the rights of the detained individuals and the transparency of the detention process. Questions linger about the legal basis for their continued confinement and the conditions under which they are being held.

Efforts to obtain official statements or updates from the MDF or relevant authorities have so far yielded minimal information, further intensifying public interest and scrutiny into this matter.

As the situation unfolds, stakeholders and human rights advocates continue to call for clarity and adherence to legal procedures in handling the detainees, emphasizing the importance of respecting human rights and ensuring due process for all individuals under detention.