Reports reaching this publication from Tanzania indicate that Malawians who are based in the East African country are facing a lot of hardships including physical abuses.
According to one of the Malawians, who was in Tanzania and suffered the brutalities, most Malawians are being subjected to various forms of torture including being abused by the hosts.
The victim, Moses Phiri, from Traditional Authority Timbiri in Nkhatabay, who arrived earlier this week from Tanzania, claimed that he escaped death before managing to come back home.
“Where I was living, most foreigners, especially Malawians, are facing a lot of challenges. You can’t conduct your businesses free or work without being bruised. It’s risky living there,” he said.
He further described his fellow Malawians who are still in Tanzania as survivors of the harsh conditions.
“I will never go back there. It is better to be suffering while enjoying peace in my country. Most Malawians who are still in Tanzania are just proving to be men enough, otherwise it’s a gamble,” he added.
Recently, local and international press were awash with reports that several Malawians had been arrested by the Tanzanian immigration department on charges of illegally staying in the foreign country.
Other reports, indicate that deportation of some Malawians have already begun, whilst others are on the verge of being repatriated.
Though this publication cannot independently confirm the allegations, but reports indicate that the Lake Malawi wrangle with Tanzania has fueled the brutalities Malawians are facing at the hands of the Swahilis.
The brutalities come in concurrent with what other Malawians are facing at Lindela camp in South Africa, where about 1000 Malawians are waiting for repatriation.
Efforts to speak with minister of foreign affairs, Francis Kasaila, proved futile, as he could not pick up his line.
But why is it that despite being aware of the brutalities, Malawians are still migrating to such countries?
One of the social and political commentators Emily Mkamanga said poverty is the reason people are leaving Malawi.
“First, let’s agree that things ain’t well in our country. Poverty is hitting hard. People have no option rather than leaving the country, hoping for greener pastures abroad,” she said.
is reallty sad