Government has committed to continue supporting refugees at Dzaleka Refugee Camp in Dowa who voluntarily express willingness to return to their home countries.
Ministry of Homeland Security Public Relations Officer, Patrick Botha, made the remarks Thursday at a time government, in conjunction with UNHCR, repatriated 109 refugees of Burundian origin to Burundi through Kamuzu International Airport (KIA) in Lilongwe.
He said under international laws governing refugees, those who voluntarily would like to go back home will be aided accordingly.
“What people should know is that being a refugee is just a status and once the factors that led them to flee their home country have normalised, these people are free to express interest to go back to their countries and continue with their life.
“As a host country, it is our responsibility to facilitate that through a safe passage and in a dignified manner, which we are doing today,” he said.
Earlier this year, on September 15, 38 refugees from Burundi were also repatriated through KIA.
According to Botha, this recent repatriation, which has seen the number almost tripling, is a sign that more refugees are willing to get back to their home countries.
“These are some of whom failed to return home during the first repatriation due to logistical challenges UNHCR had.
“But as government, we are happy that more refugees are expressing interest to go back home.
“Together with our colleagues, we are committed to making sure that every refugee who feels it is safe and would voluntarily like to go back home; goes back home,” explained Botha.
Rehema Miiro, Durable Solutions Officer for UNHCR- Malawi said almost over 400 refugees that have registered are expressing interest to go back home.
“We have taken back a few and we hope that more will come because voluntary repatriation is a process.
‘After the initial registration, they must come again to confirm their voluntariness to return home before the actual repatriation,” she said.
Miiro revealed that the process has cost around US$ 120, 000 and funds allowing, more will be assisted to get home.
Speaking before departure, 35-year-old Emmanuel Ndayizeye said he was happy to get back to his homeland after staying nine years in the country as a refugee due to what he described as security issues in his country.
“I feel good, and I would like to thank all Malawians for having us. Malawi is a good country and I intend to write a book about Malawi and its peaceful and loving people who have helped us survive all these years, embracing us and teaching us their culture and values.
“I learnt more about farming and livestock rearing while I was here and I hope to continue doing that when I get home,” he said.
Miyubahwe Kelcy, aged 19, also said she was happy to be going home, a development she was hopeful would put to an end some of the challenges she had been facing at the refugee camp.
Reported By Sylvester Kumwenda
