Malawi Freedom Network 
By Our Reporter
The Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development has confirmed that a group of displaced families from Kasasile in Nkhata Bay is travelling to Lilongwe to present their concerns over their relocation, assuring the public that government is actively engaging all relevant stakeholders to resolve the matter.
The development comes as nearly 200 displaced people continue their march to the capital, demanding clarity on their resettlement following their eviction from Kasasile, an area within the Viphya Firing Range.
Speaking on the matter, Ministry of Lands spokesperson Chimwemwe Chipungu said the disputed land is a protected military reserve that is legally owned by the Malawi Defence Force (MDF).
Must read 200 Nkhatabay Kasasile Families Walk to Lilongwe Seeking Government Action
Chipungu explained that the families had settled on the land despite a court order that prohibited anyone from occupying the area.
According to him, the court had ruled that no individuals should remain on the protected land, but some settlers continued living there, prompting authorities to enforce the ruling.
“The land in question is legally owned by the Malawi Defence Force and is protected. Although the court ruled that no one should settle there, some families remained on the land. The relocation was therefore carried out to ensure compliance with the court’s decision and to protect the military reserve,” said Chipungu.
He stressed that the relocation exercise was not carried out arbitrarily but was based on an existing court decision aimed at protecting government land designated for military purposes.
Read also How Malawi’s Gold Is Allegedly Flowing Into Israel Through Smuggling Networks
Chipungu further revealed that the Ministry of Lands has been holding discussions with the Ministry of Defence, the Malawi Defence Force and other relevant government institutions to coordinate the relocation process and identify a suitable area where the affected families can be permanently resettled.
He said government is committed to ensuring that the displaced families receive appropriate support while efforts to secure permanent land continue.
According to Chipungu, authorities have already identified a school where the group travelling to Lilongwe has been advised to temporarily stay while government finalises long-term resettlement arrangements.
He added that the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) has been brought into the process to provide humanitarian assistance, including food and other basic necessities, during the temporary settlement period.
Don’t skip Investigative Report: How Nir Ges Obtained a Diplomatic Passport in Malawi
“The government is working together with all relevant stakeholders to ensure the affected families are assisted as a lasting solution is being developed,” he said.
The statement comes amid growing concern over the welfare of the displaced families, many of whom say they have been left without adequate shelter and are seeking direct engagement with government officials in Lilongwe.
The families were removed from Kasasile in 2024 after the Malawi Defence Force said they had encroached on the Viphya Firing Range, a protected military training area.
Their decision to march to the capital reflects their frustration over what they describe as delays in securing permanent land and improved living conditions.
Government, however, maintains that efforts to address the issue are ongoing and involve several ministries and agencies to ensure the relocation process is conducted lawfully and humanely.
Read this Diplomatic Passport Scandal in Malawi: Questions Surrounding Nir Gess and Abuse of State Privileges
The Ministry of Lands has reiterated its commitment to finding a lasting solution that balances the rights and welfare of the affected families with the need to protect legally designated public land.
As the displaced families continue their journey to Lilongwe, attention is expected to focus on discussions between government officials and representatives of the group, with many hoping the engagement will lead to a clear timetable for permanent resettlement and improved support for those affected.
