Mozambican authorities began repatriating thousands of refugees from Malawi on March 1, following post-election protests that had forced them to flee.
The operation started as water levels in the Chile River dropped, allowing safe travel back to Mozambique. Early in the morning, three vehicles transported a technical team to assess transit conditions. César Tembe, director of prevention operations at INGD, emphasized the need for an on-site evaluation before proceeding.
“We are moving part of our delegation, the Malawian delegation, and community leaders to inspect the project from the Malawian side to Morrumbala,” Tembe explained.
A recent Malawian survey revised the number of Mozambican refugees to 7,900, down from an earlier estimate of 13,000, though counting is ongoing. Authorities are also working to issue humanitarian aid cards.
Originally scheduled for February 29, the repatriation was delayed due to unsafe navigation on the Chiro River. With conditions now favorable, authorities have deployed four vessels and trucks to transport refugees, ensuring food assistance for at least three months. They also stressed that repatriation remains voluntary.