The Malawi Defence Force (MDF) is concerned that the influx of irregular immigrants into the country poses a risk to national security.
MDF’s concern follows the apprehension of several foreign nationals from Dzaleka Refugee Camp in Dowa on suspicion of illegal residence, with some allegedly involvement in human trafficking.
In accordance with Malawi’s laws, including the Encampment Policy, only individuals vetted as genuine refugees and asylum seekers are permitted to reside in refugee camps.
Currently, Dzaleka remains the sole camp for such purposes, housing over 40,000 refugees and asylum seekers, with some residing outside the institution.
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In what it has said was a move aimed at bolstering national security, MDF removed 220 individuals from the camp, as they are considered irregular immigrants.
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Among the suspects is a Malawian believed to be involved in trafficking in persons.
MDF was also keeping 17 other foreign nationals including Pakistanis on suspicion of illegal entry.
Speaking at a briefing at MDF headquarters in Lilongwe Thursday, Commander Paul Valentino Phiri said immigrants entering and staying in the country without proper documentation pose threats to national security.
“With the insecurity in Cabo Delgado Province in northern Mozambique, MDF is concerned that some immigrants could be recruits there, using Malawi as a transit,” Phiri said.
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The MDF chief also expressed concern over the handling of human trafficking cases in the country’s courts, alleging that such immigrants often go unpunished, contributing to the influx of illegal immigrants.
Phiri called for collaboration among security agencies, including the police and the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services, to address the issue of irregular immigration.
“We cannot afford to be complacent because these issues concern national security. We, as MDF, are mandated to protect this country and we will strive to fulfil that duty,” he said.
Secretary for Homeland Security Steven Kayuni said the ministry would work closely with all security stakeholders to combat human trafficking.
“MDF has done commendable work in supporting other security agencies to address the influx of irregular immigrants into Malawi,” Kayuni said.
The immigrants are from Burundi, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Ethiopia.
Meanwhile, in a statement made available to The Daily Times, Inua Advocacy, an independent civil society organisation advocating for refugee rights in Malawi and beyond, claims that the camp was rocked by two hours of gunfire affecting different zones.
The organisation adds that the disturbance was initially thought to be linked to a police raid on suspected human trafficking operations run by Ethiopia nationals within the camp.
“The raid resulted in numerous arrests, although the number of trafficked individuals detained remains unknown,” it adds.
Inua Advocacy has further commended MDF for stepping in to curb human trafficking within the refugee camp.
It says the intervention underscores a commitment to addressing serious criminal activities and protecting vulnerable individuals from exploitation.
A 2024 Trafficking in Persons report by the United States Department of State, which monitors and combats trafficking, revealed evidence implicating law enforcement and Immigration officials in trafficking crimes in Malawi.
