By Burnett Munthali
The Ministry of Homeland Security has reported that 3,976 individuals from Mozambique have sought refuge in Malawi following political unrest in their home country. This was disclosed during a visit to the Nyamithuthu Refugee Camp in Traditional Authority Tengani, Nsanje, by a high-level delegation comprising representatives from the British High Commission to Malawi, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), USAID, and Malawi’s Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA), among others.
Initially, the refugees were temporarily sheltered in local schools, a move that significantly disrupted learning activities in the area. To address this, authorities have begun relocating the asylum seekers to Nyamithuthu Refugee Camp, which has been designated as a more sustainable and structured environment for their accommodation.
Speaking during the visit, Hilda Katema, Senior Administrative and Operations Manager for the Department of Refugees in the Ministry of Homeland Security, emphasized the need for accurate reporting and caution in speculating the numbers of asylum seekers. She warned that inflated or inaccurate figures could hinder effective response planning and resource allocation.
“The numbers we report are critical for planning purposes, ensuring that resources are effectively mobilized to meet the needs of those seeking asylum,” Katema stated.
The delegation’s visit aimed to assess the current situation at the camp and explore ways to provide support to the displaced individuals. Stakeholders, including international organizations and government agencies, expressed their commitment to addressing the challenges faced by the asylum seekers, particularly regarding shelter, food, and access to basic services.
The influx of Mozambican refugees highlights the broader regional impact of political instability in Mozambique and underscores the need for coordinated efforts to address the root causes of displacement. Malawi, as a host country, continues to uphold its commitment to international humanitarian principles, despite facing its own economic and resource constraints.
Efforts are ongoing to ensure that the relocation process is smooth and that the refugees are provided with the necessary support to rebuild their lives while awaiting resolution of the political crisis in Mozambique.
