Leaders seeking to resolve the long-running Kasasile land dispute in Nkhata Bay have been challenged to first visit the area and witness the suffering of displaced families to better understand the crisis on the ground.
The appeal follows the continued plight of more than 300 families who have been living in temporary camps since they were evicted from land claimed by the Malawi Defence Force (MDF) in December 2024.
The displaced households continue to struggle with inadequate shelter, food shortages and limited access to healthcare and education as they await a permanent solution.
After visiting the camp on Sunday, UTM Party Vice President and also a Catholic Church faithful, Matthews Mtumbuka said seeing the conditions first-hand had completely changed his understanding of the dispute.
“I have seen first-hand how my fellow Catholics, other Christians and members of the surrounding community are suffering. My perspective on the Kasasile issue has completely changed,” said Mtumbuka.
He said anyone wishing to contribute meaningfully to resolving the dispute should first visit the area and appreciate the realities facing the affected families.
“No one should take a leading role on Kasasile issues without coming here to experience their complex challenges for themselves,” he said.
Earlier in the day, Mtumbuka joined Christians for Mass at St Joseph’s Outstation in Kasasile, where he encouraged worshippers to remain steadfast in their faith despite the hardships they continue to face.
He also donated K1 million towards the renovation of the church and the purchase of liturgical attire for altar servers.
He was accompanied to the camp housing the displaced families by Kasasile Parish Priest Father Fred, members of the Parish Pastoral Council, and representatives of the Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP).
The displaced families recently marched towards Capital Hill in Lilongwe to demand a lasting solution to the dispute but were stopped along the way after authorities assured them that the matter would be resolved soon.
The Ministry of Lands told the families that efforts are underway to identify suitable land for relocation and assured them that the matter is being treated with urgency.
