Concerned Citizens of Chitipa Wenya Protest Against Refugee Camp Relocation
The self-proclaimed concerned citizens of Chitipa Wenya petition against the relocation of a refugee camp, citing negative effects and lack of consultation.
CHITIPA, Malawi – The self-acclaimed concerned citizens of Chitipa Wenya took to the streets today to express their opposition to the relocation of a refugee camp from N'Dzaleka in Dowa to Kayirizi in Chitipa, writes Patricia Kayuni.
Carrying placards and chanting "No to refugee camps," the protesters stormed the District Commissioner's (DC) office to deliver their petition.
Evans Mgala, the chairperson speaking on behalf of the group, expressed their strong stance against the government's decision to relocate the camp to their area, emphasising the negative effects it would have on the people of Wenya.
Mgala highlighted the lack of consultation as a major concern.
"We will not allow the government to relocate the refugee camp to our area without consulting us. The move has detrimental effects on our community," Mgala asserted.
"The government only met with the senior chief (MweneWenya) and the group village Headman of the area (Kayirizi), who failed to communicate with their subjects."
Expressing their frustration, Mgala stated that the community had learned about the plans to bring refugees to their area through pictures and rumours.
They felt betrayed by their leaders' failure to inform them about such a significant decision.
"We are surprised because our leaders have not bothered to tell us about it," Mgala remarked.
Mgala further highlighted the pressing developmental needs of the people in Chitipa Wenya, urging the government to prioritise these issues rather than burdening the community with a refugee camp.
"We have crucial development needs that the government should be addressing, such as the deplorable state of the Chitipa-Nthalire-Rumphi road, inadequate police housing, and the absence of hostels in our two community day secondary schools (Nkhumano and Chisenga)," Mgala lamented.
"Instead of occupying our farmlands with the refugee camp, can't the government help us with what we have been desperately asking for?"
The District Commissioner for Chitipa, Macmillan Magomero, received the petition and assured the protesters that he would deliver it to the appropriate authority.
However, Magomero cautioned the citizens against being manipulated by external forces.
In a previous statement, Senior Chiefs Kameme and MweneWenya pledged their support to the government in identifying a suitable location for a refugee camp.
The opposition from the concerned citizens of Chitipa Wenya adds to the ongoing debate surrounding the relocation of the refugee camp, highlighting the importance of community consultation and addressing local development needs in decision-making processes.