Lilongwe, Malawi – (African Boulevard News) – In a move that has shocked many, Malawi authorities arrested over 400 refugees in the capital, Lilongwe. The crackdown came two months after the government issued an ultimatum for the refugees to return to Dzaleka, an overcrowded refugee camp north of the city.
According to local reports, the refugees, mostly from Somalia, were rounded up in different parts of the city and taken to a police station for processing. Many of the refugees had been living in Lilongwe for years, having fled their home countries due to conflict and persecution.
The Malawian government says the move is aimed at addressing the problem of illegal immigrants and ensuring that the refugees are properly documented and registered.
“Malawi is a sovereign state that has the right to control its borders and deal with illegal immigrants,” said a spokesperson for the government. “We are fully committed to ensuring that all refugees in Malawi are properly documented and registered, and that they are living in safe and secure conditions.”
However, human rights activists have criticized the government’s move, saying that it violates international human rights law.
“The arrest of these refugees is a blatant violation of their human rights,” said a spokesperson for Human Rights Watch. “Malawi is a signatory to several international human rights treaties, and it is obligated to protect the rights of refugees under those treaties.”
The refugees are currently being held at a police station in Lilongwe, where they are awaiting further processing. The authorities say they will be transferred to Dzaleka refugee camp once their documentation is complete.
The news has sparked widespread outrage and condemnation from the international community, with many calling for the immediate release of the refugees.
“Malawi’s decision to arrest and detain refugees is a clear violation of international law,” said a spokesperson for the United Nations Refugee Agency. “We are calling on the Malawian government to release these refugees immediately and ensure that their rights are respected.”
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen what the future holds for the hundreds of refugees who have been arrested and detained in Lilongwe. However, one thing is clear: their plight has captured the attention of the world, and the pressure is mounting on the Malawian government to act swiftly and decisively to protect their rights.
