Karonga residents up in arms against refugee camp

Officials of Karonga and Chitipa Cultural Heritage have threatened of unspecified action should government go ahead to open a refugee camp at Kapiri in Karonga.

‘We cannot be intimidated’: Karonga community tells Minister of Home Affairs, Chiumia at the meeting

Leader of the Cultural Heritage Alfred Mwambira said the government should not impose the refugee camp on the people of Karonga.

“The camp is a security threat in Chitipa nd Karonga, we don’t want it,” said Mwaambira.

He accused the supreme Ngonde chief, Kyungu, of being an accomplice with the government in the matter.

Chief Kyungu was recently part of a government delegation which went to Uganda to learn on how refugees live there and how they are treated.

Members of parliament from Karonga and other stakeholders were on a similar familiarisation tour at Dzaleka Refugee Camp in Dowa which is to be closed and its 28000 refugees resetled at Kapiri in Karonga.

Home Affairs minister Grace Chiumia said the government will go ahead to open the new camp despite opposition from some people.

UNHCR say it will spend up to US$25 million whilst the government is spending K100 million on the new refugee camp.

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MWANGALAMWENE
7 years ago

take the what so called development to thyolo not in karonga…

Mwamzy
Mwamzy
7 years ago

If it is good to do so as to develop the the area,i have an idea that this camp must relocate to ndata because there a very big place,and they is enough security there at ndata,they are just guarding grave yet they are recieving alot,so let them have this job of guarding foreigners,

Mundu Yumo
Mundu Yumo
7 years ago

Am afraid the whole heritage team leaves in town and has never been to Katili. If they really exist why don’t they go and consult people of Katili and get their views. It pains me to see our so called freedom fighters fighting for only their stomach without really considering others. Let people of Katili see development also.

popapo
popapo
7 years ago

Mr Mwambila Wadana please your hate on Clement is unfounded, you isolate only him among the many people involved in negotiating with Government on the issue. It is known that the heritage has an agenda with the Mwakasungula clan, with the Kyungu Chieftancy. Even if Ntemi Clement died today the Kyungu Chieftancy will never go Ku Bana Karonga whom you are fighting for, people know this plan. Continue disguising yourself in the name of the Heritage to undermine the Kyungu and you will reap what you are planting one day.

cymru
cymru
7 years ago

Most Malawians are used to opposing things. Even if it is something that will save their lives, they are likely to oppose. Freedom and rights have been misinterpreted. The security of people is the responsibility of government not individuals in Karonga and Chitipa. Government machinery cannot jeopardize deliberately the lives of the two districts. The problem is the people against the refugee camp are not thinking beyond the boundaries of the two districts. The relocation of the camp is for the safety and security of all Malawians. It is a common practice to establish a refugee camp at point of… Read more »

Mweene
Mweene
7 years ago

This relocation will translate into a much needed economic shot in the arm for Karonga.
Unwise to turn the relocation down. In any case, the government has a right to do this, with the right consultations. Until the North becomes a separate country.

mabusa
mabusa
7 years ago
Reply to  Mweene

Karonga doesnt want such development. You can have it in your area. Thanks

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