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Dzaleka Refugee Camp, located in Malawi's Dowa District approximately 41 kilometers from the capital city, Lilongwe, was established in 1994 by the Government of Malawi and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to accommodate individuals fleeing genocide, violence, and wars in Burundi, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The name Dzaleka comes from the Chichewa phrase N’dzaleka which means ‘I will never do it again’.
Before its transformation into a refugee camp, Dzaleka served as a political prison during the presidency of Hastings Kamuzu Banda (1964-1994), housing up to 6,000 inmates under harsh conditions.
Initially designed to host between 10,000 to 12,000 people, Dzaleka now accommodates over 52,000 refugees and asylum seekers, primarily from the Democratic Republic of Congo (62%), Burundi (19%), Rwanda (7%), and other nationalities.
This significant population increase has led to challenges such as overcrowding and strain on resources. The protracted nature of conflicts in the Great Lakes region prevents the safe return of many refugees, leading to prolonged stays in the camp.
Despite these challenges, the residents of Dzaleka have fostered a vibrant community, establishing businesses, schools, and cultural initiatives. Notably, the Tumaini Festival, founded in 2014 by Congolese refugee Tresor Mpauni, is an annual arts and cultural event that promotes cultural exchange and raises awareness about refugee issues.
Over the years, Dzaleka has evolved from a temporary settlement into a more permanent community, reflecting both the resilience of its inhabitants and the ongoing challenges they face.
The camp is divided into zones named after Malawian towns and cities, each with its own unique character. The government set up the zones for administrative purposes.
- Lisungwi
- Kawale 1 & 2
- Likuni 1 & 2
- Zomba
- Blantyre
- Katubza