By Suleman Chitera

Nearly 200 displaced residents from Kasasile in Nkhata Bay District have embarked on a long journey on foot to Capital Hill in Lilongwe in a desperate bid to force government authorities to address their unresolved resettlement concerns.

The group, made up of men, women and young people, says it can no longer wait for answers after spending months living in difficult conditions following their eviction from their ancestral land in 2024.

The residents were removed from Kasasile by soldiers from the Malawi Defence Force (MDF), who said the community had illegally settled within the Viphya Firing Range, a military training area reserved for national defence operations.Amended Land Laws To End Land Disputes

Since the eviction, the affected families say they have been living in temporary camps without adequate food, clean water, health facilities or permanent shelter. They argue that despite repeated engagements with government officials, little progress has been made towards finding a lasting solution.

Speaking in Mzuzu before the group began the march, chairperson of the displaced residents, Lucky Botha, said the walk to Lilongwe is a peaceful demonstration aimed at drawing the government’s attention to what he described as a worsening humanitarian crisis.

“We don’t have food, shelter nor nearby hospital at our campsite. We need our land but government is silent on the issue,” Botha said.

He said the group intends to hold peaceful vigils outside government offices at Capital Hill until responsible authorities provide clear answers on when and how the displaced families will be resettled.Police Officer Killed in Land Dispute Intervention

Botha added that many families are struggling to survive, with children, elderly people and people living with illnesses facing the greatest hardship due to poor living conditions at the temporary settlement.

According to the affected residents, the lack of access to healthcare services, schools and reliable sources of income has left many households increasingly vulnerable.

The march, expected to cover hundreds of kilometres from Nkhata Bay to Lilongwe, highlights the desperation among the displaced families, who say they have exhausted every available avenue to have their concerns addressed.

The Kasasile eviction has remained one of Malawi’s most closely watched land disputes, raising broader questions about balancing national security interests with the protection of citizens’ rights and livelihoods.Chihana Calls for Presidential Intervention in Kasasile Land Dispute with MDF

Government has previously acknowledged the challenges surrounding the matter.

In April this year, the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development said it was working to resolve the dispute through consultations that would produce a solution acceptable to all parties.

The ministry indicated that discussions were ongoing to ensure a “win-win” outcome while taking into account both the security requirements of the military and the welfare of the affected communities.

However, months later, the displaced residents say they have yet to receive concrete information regarding where they will be permanently settled or when the process will begin.New hierarchy for resolving customary land disputes takes effect

The uncertainty has fuelled frustration among the families, many of whom say they lost homes, farmland and other sources of livelihood during the eviction.

Civil society organisations and human rights advocates have previously called on authorities to ensure that displaced communities receive adequate protection, humanitarian support and fair compensation where necessary.

Observers say the latest protest could intensify pressure on government to speed up negotiations and provide a lasting solution before the humanitarian situation deteriorates further.95 year-old man killed over land disputes in Chikwawa

As the marchers make their way to the capital, they hope their peaceful demonstration will attract national attention and encourage authorities to engage directly with them.

For the nearly 200 displaced residents, the journey is about more than reaching Lilongwe—it is a plea for dignity, security and the opportunity to rebuild lives disrupted by displacement. They say they will remain steadfast until government provides clear answers on their future and honours its commitment to finding a permanent and fair resettlement solution.High Court Dismisses Pacific Limited’s Constitutional Challenge to Malawi Land Laws