Government Saturday stopped a group of Rwandan People’s Government in Exile (Grex) from holding a Rwandan Refugees Youth International Convention in Malawi.
The meeting was scheduled to take place at the Crossroads Hotel in Lilongwe.
It was expected to be graced by the president of the group.
A communication called Note Verbale with reference number 025/ MINAFFET/24 from Prudence Kantengwa, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the group, addressed to the Minister of Foreign Affairs Nancy Tembo and Minister of Homeland Security Ken Zikhale Ng’oma asked the government to provide security to the visiting official for the convention which was scheduled for May 23 to 28, 2024 in Lilongwe.
But Zikhale Ng’oma said the government turned down the request.
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“Grex is not recognised by the Malawi government. As such, it cannot be accorded any security as an entity by the government, nor should it be allowed to carry out any political activities in Malawi.
“We stopped their planned convention; therefore, refugees should be advised to live in the country in compliance with the conditions of their status and not be involved in politics.” Ng’oma said.
One of the leaders of the group, Jeanne Mukamurenzi, said she was surprised that the Malawian government did not allow the gathering.
“On which basis? Because, as far as I am concerned, there is nothing wrong with meeting our people, Rwandan refugees. All the government of Malawi is supposed to do is accord us a conducive safety,” Mukamurenzi said.
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She said the safety of Rwandan refugees has been of great concern all over the world.
According to her, the current regime in Rwanda follows them wherever they are and kills and kidnaps them.
“The Malawian government shouldn’t yield to Paul Kagame’s pressure; I know his regime is scared of our Rwanda’s government in exile. We stand for peace. Rwanda’s regime does not tolerate the freedom of gathering, let alone the freedom of expression; the Malawian government, on the other hand, upholds democratic values,” she said.
