Nyamithuthu Camp, Nsanje District — The Malawi Red Cross Society, with backing from the International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC), has donated cash and essential non-food items worth K130 million to 336 Mozambican asylum seeker families currently living at Nyamithuthu Camp.
This support follows a request from the Department of Refugees in Malawi for humanitarian organisations to assist remaining asylum seekers ahead of their planned relocation to Dzaleka Refugee Camp in Dowa District.
Each household received K70,000 in cash to help purchase food. Additional supplies included solar lamps, blankets, mosquito nets, hygiene kits, kitchen sets, and soap.
“This assistance aims to meet the immediate needs of the remaining families at Nyamithuthu Camp as they prepare for relocation or voluntary repatriation,” said Gloria Kunyenga, Director of Programs and Development at the Malawi Red Cross Society.
The government plans to decommission Nyamithuthu Camp by April 30, 2025. Hilda Katema, Senior Administrative and Operations Manager for the Department of Refugees, described the donation as a transitional support package.
“We’re encouraging those who remain at Nyamithuthu to consider voluntary repatriation, especially since the situation in Mozambique has stabilised,” said Katema. “For those unwilling to return, we’ll conduct Refugee Status Determination interviews and relocate them to Dzaleka for continued protection.”
Among the beneficiaries was Zabere Soza (50), who expressed deep appreciation for the support.
“I lost everything due to political violence in Mozambique. With these items, I can start a new life when I return home,” Soza said.
Kajowo Kajowo (37) shared a different story.
“I lost my wife and children during the conflict. I have no one left back home,” he said. “These items will help me rebuild my life at Dzaleka Refugee Camp. I’m not going back—Dzaleka will be my new beginning.”
Since December last year, Malawi has hosted 7,456 Mozambican asylum seekers. While many have since been repatriated, 336 families remain at Nyamithuthu, awaiting relocation or return.
Reported by: Maureen Kawerama
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