Malawi (MNN) — Peaceful Malawi has long been a pathway or destination for refugees. Jennifer Mtali, National Director of TWR Malawi, says the country hosts thousands from neighboring countries, some of which have lived in the country since the 90s.The most recent surge is from Mozambique.
“We have had an influx coming into the southern part of Malawi, and at the moment the numbers are staying above 3,000.”
Mozambique’s opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane has staged widespread protests in the wake of Daniel Chapo’s election this week. The violence has caused several deaths as well as economic disruption. Since the protests began, civilian life has halted.
“People were not able to go to work or school,” Mtali says, “Mostly people would just remain in their homes for weeks on end.”
But in the meantime, Malawi is facing its own series of crises. Since covid, the country has been hit with two years of consecutive cyclones, followed by a dry spell that affected last year’s harvest. Additionally, the unrest of neighboring countries has affected landlocked Malawi’s use of ports.
“It [presents] a challenge in terms of the transportation system – like transportation of oil and food coming from the ports into Malawi.
Mtali says many refugees have been housed in primary schools, but that is becoming difficult as the schools reopen after holiday. A food shortage is ongoing too, as local people themselves struggle to find nourishment.
“I think for the people that are fleeing from Mozambique,” Mtali says, “they find that even though the food might not be enough: just because of the peace that’s here, they find that it’s much better to come to Malawi.”
TWR broadcasts Christian radio programs across Malawi and even as far as some parts of Mozambique. Mtali says the messaging affects both hosts and refugees.
Courtesy of Tim Donahue via Pixabay.
“As they listen to God’s word on the radio, that is part of the spiritual nourishment and encouragement that they get during this time,” Mtali says.
Please pray for Malawi as the country hosts its Mozambican neighbors. Pray for a return of economic recovery and food security, and pray that the church of Malawi would continue to be a beacon of hope during this time.
Looking forward, Mtali says Malawi faces elections in September. People are not impressed with the current government because of the struggling financial situation and high cost of living. She asks for prayers regarding this matter too: that people would have hope during the election period, “and that people would embrace peace even during their political differences.”
Featured photo courtesy of Tim Donahue via Pixabay
