By Burnett Munthali
Over 2,000 Mozambican households have fled to Malawi’s Nsanje District as violence intensifies in Mozambique following disputed election results that declared Daniel Chapo of the ruling Frelimo Party the winner.
Nsanje District Council spokesperson Robert Nayeja confirmed this development to Nation Online, highlighting that the influx of refugees is primarily affecting areas under Senior Chief Tengani, Senior Chief Mlolo, and Traditional Authority Ndamera.
“District Disaster Risk Management Committee (DDRMC), along with Area Disaster Risk Management Committees (ADRMC), have inspected the areas. As of December 25, we have received over 2,000 households in the areas mentioned above,” said Nayeja.
He added that a report has been submitted to the Department of Refugees under the Ministry of Homeland Security as plans for a coordinated response are underway. “We are expecting the number of refugees to rise as tensions escalate in Mozambique,” Nayeja noted.
The leader of the Mozambican community in Nsanje, Jose Taulo Sona, expressed gratitude to the Nsanje District Council for its warm reception.
The crisis in Mozambique escalated on Tuesday when 21 people died within 24 hours due to renewed violence. The death toll has now surpassed 150 since October, when unrest began following the contentious election results.
Independent candidate Vanancio Mondlane, who disputes the results, claims he won the October 9 elections and plans to declare himself president on January 15. Renamo leader Ossufo Momade, who finished third, has also rejected the outcome.
Despite these challenges, Daniel Chapo is expected to succeed current President Filipe Nyusi in January 2025, as the Constitutional Council upheld the election results in his favor.
As the situation in Mozambique worsens, Malawi’s southern district of Nsanje continues to brace for more refugees seeking safety and stability.
