Worsening funding shortages and deteriorating living conditions are reportedly forcing many refugees to leave Dzaleka Refugee Camp in Dowa in search of survival.
The growing crisis came into sharp focus after a Lilongwe Magistrate Court sentenced six refugees to six months’ imprisonment with hard labour for leaving the camp without exit permits and settling in different parts of the city.
The refugees were arrested by immigration officers during enforcement operations and charged with disobeying a statutory duty. The court declined to give them the option of paying a fine, stressing that refugees are legally required to stay in designated camps unless granted permission to leave.
The court further ordered that after serving their sentences, the six will return to Dzaleka Refugee Camp and continue abiding by camp regulations.
Commenting on the matter, Executive Director of Inua Advocacy, Innocent Magambi, says the recent jailing of six refugees should be viewed through the lens of a deepening humanitarian crisis rather than criminality.
Magambi argued that harsh conditions inside the camp are pushing many refugees to leave in search of work and basic necessities.
“Responses to irregular movement should balance enforcement with protection, recognizing that many refugees leave camps out of necessity rather than criminal intent while advancing reforms that uphold human dignity and durable solutions,” said Magambi.
He added that Malawi has already committed itself to reforming restrictive refugee laws to better align with international standards and promote refugee self-reliance and freedom of movement.
Meanwhile, Malawi Congress Party supporter Rodgers Kamphangala has appealed to President Peter Mutharika to pardon the six refugees, saying they left the camp to support their families rather than engage in criminal activities.
“Life at Dzaleka Refugee Camp is very tough, imagine one receiving cash equivalent 6 to 8 US Dollars (official exchange rate) to last for the whole month, while some receive nothing, this is forcing many to leave the camp to Lilongwe and elsewhere,” he said.
Kamphangala also urged the President to visit Dzaleka and witness the challenges refugees face, claiming water shortages remain one of the biggest problems driving people out of the camp.
He further dismissed claims that refugees are comfortably funded by UNHCR, arguing that many survive through hard work, renting gardens and growing tomatoes, cabbages and watermelons that are sold in local markets.
