STICH IN TIME - Malawi Red Cross Donates K130 Million to Support Mozambican Asylum Seekers
With support from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), Malawi Red Cross Society has provided K130 million worth of cash and non-food items to asylum seekers.
NYAMITHUTHU, Nsanje (Planet Defence) – The Malawi Red Cross Society, in collaboration with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), has donated cash and essential non-food items worth K130 million to support 336 Mozambican asylum-seeking families residing at Nyamithuthu Camp in Nsanje District writes Maureen Kawerama.
The donation, made last week, follows a request from Malawi's Department of Refugees, urging humanitarian organizations to step in and assist the remaining asylum seekers ahead of their planned relocation to Dzaleka Refugee Camp in Dowa District.
During the official handover ceremony, Gloria Kunyenga, Director of Programs and Development at the Malawi Red Cross Society, said each household received K70,000 in cash to purchase food. The beneficiaries also received solar lamps, three blankets, a kitchen set, two mosquito nets, two hygiene kits, five bars of laundry soap, and three bars of bathing soap.
“This assistance aims to meet the immediate needs of the remaining families at Nyamithuthu Camp as they prepare for relocation or voluntary repatriation,” Kunyenga said.
The donation comes as the government prepares to decommission Nyamithuthu Camp by April 30, 2025. Senior Administrative and Operations Manager for the Department of Refugees, Hilda Katema, described the aid as a transitional support package.
“This is a take-away package for those preparing to return home or relocate to Dzaleka Refugee Camp,” Katema explained. “We are encouraging voluntary repatriation for those whose home areas are now stable. However, for those who cannot return, we will conduct Refugee Status Determination interviews and ensure their safe relocation to Dzaleka.”
Among the recipients was 50-year-old Zabere Soza, who expressed deep gratitude for the support.
“I am very thankful to the Malawi Red Cross Society for this donation. I lost everything due to political violence in Mozambique. With these items, I can start a new life when I return home,” said Soza.
Another beneficiary, 37-year-old Kajowo Kajowo, shared his tragic story and explained why he will not be returning to Mozambique.
“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 over 7,456 Mozambican asylum seekers fleeing post-election violence. While many have since been repatriated, 336 families remain at Nyamithuthu Camp awaiting further support, relocation, or voluntary return.