Post-election violence in Mozambique resulted in 300 deaths and forced 13,000 people to flee to Malawi. Officials are working on repatriating refugees, emphasizing the need for peace and economic stability in Mozambique as many individuals remain hesitant to return due to insecurity. Malawi faces its own challenges, hosting a high number of refugees amid economic difficulties.
Following the violence surrounding Mozambique’s October 2024 elections, approximately 13,000 Mozambicans fled to southern Malawi, resulting in an estimated 300 fatalities. The repercussions of this unrest have prompted both Mozambican and Malawian officials to facilitate the repatriation of these refugees as initial chaos subsides.
The elections witnessed Daniel Chapo of the Frelimo party succeeding Filipe Nyusi, who was barred from continuing after completing two constitutional terms. Venancio Mondlane, the opposition leader, accused the elections of being fraudulent, leading to widespread protests which escalated following the Constitutional Council’s confirmation of Chapo’s victory, thereby reinforcing Frelimo’s long-standing dominance since independence in 1975.
Many refugees have settled in Nsanje district, Malawi, which is geographically positioned near Mozambique. They have faced significant hardships—arriving via various means, including foot and boats, while contending with dangerous river crossings. The displacement camps reported dire shortages of food and medical supplies, exacerbated by Malawi’s own challenges, including hosting over 50,000 refugees from other African countries. This situation worsens as Malawi combats poor harvests due to El Nino, increasing disease risks during the rainy season.
Moses Mukandawire, a human rights activist, pointed out Malawi’s historical experience with Mozambican refugees during the civil war from 1977 to 1992. He emphasized the necessity of ensuring peace in Mozambique for a successful repatriation process. Mukandawire advocates for voluntary repatriation so that displaced Mozambicans can tend to their crops back home, as prolonged stay in Malawi could lead to food shortage for their families.
According to Mukandawire, the Mozambican government has assured safety for returning refugees, suggesting the need for a fact-finding mission to validate these pledges. However, many refugees express hesitance to return, as some have lost property and faced violence, leaving them uncertain about the security of their homeland. “Honestly, unless somebody goes there and assures them that there is relative peace back home, they won’t go. Others are not convinced,” he remarked.
The economic landscape in Mozambique has deteriorated due to the post-election violence. Economist Teresa Boene underlined the urgency of restoring economic stability, highlighting significant damage to businesses. The local chamber of commerce reported that a staggering 1,000 businesses shut down due to chaos, and about 40% of infrastructure was vandalized. Aldemiro Eduardo, a business owner in Maputo, lamented the damage, revealing that approximately €110 million in resources were lost, resulting in substantial job losses and tax revenue decline for the government.
The violent unrest following Mozambique’s elections in October 2024 has led to a significant refugee crisis in Malawi, with thousands forced to flee. While efforts for voluntary repatriation are underway, many refugees remain cautious due to safety and economic concerns. The long-term recovery of Mozambique’s economy is uncertain, as extensive damage to businesses and infrastructure has resulted from the chaos. Continued commitment to ensuring peace and stability in Mozambique is paramount for successful repatriation and recovery.
Original Source: www.dw.com
