By Burnett Munthali
Mozambican asylum seekers at Nyamithuthu Refugee Settlement Camp in Nsanje are pleading for urgent food assistance as hunger continues to plague the camp. Despite receiving support in non-food items, many say their most pressing need—food—remains unmet.
Speaking to Zodiak Online, 69-year-old Augushito Davite from Mchacha and 42-year-old Patricia Lemeti from Kuntoso Village, both from Morrumbala District, expressed the desperation faced by many asylum seekers. “We are starving,” they said, highlighting that the aid provided so far has been largely limited to non-food essentials.
Hilda Katema, Senior Administrative and Operations Manager in the Department for Refugees, has acknowledged the crisis and assured that the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) is committed to addressing the food shortage.
Commissioner for Disaster Management Affairs, Charles Kalemba, confirmed that DoDMA has recently provided food to the asylum seekers and pledged to continue supporting the camp with both food and other necessities.
This afternoon, a high-level delegation comprising representatives from the British High Commission, the United States Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance, and DoDMA visited the Nyamithuthu camp to assess the situation firsthand. The visit underscores the growing international concern over the plight of Mozambican asylum seekers in Malawi.
The Mozambican asylum seekers fled their home country due to political instability, violence, and poverty, seeking refuge in Malawi. However, life at the Nyamithuthu camp remains a daily struggle, with limited resources and minimal access to basic needs like food.
While government officials and international partners have shown commitment to alleviating the situation, the immediate needs of the asylum seekers require urgent attention to prevent further suffering.
The crisis at Nyamithuthu highlights the importance of coordinated efforts between the government, international agencies, and humanitarian organizations. It is essential that food aid is prioritized alongside other forms of support to ensure the survival and dignity of the asylum seekers.
As the world watches, the plight of the Mozambican asylum seekers serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing humanitarian challenges in the region, calling for compassion and swift action.
