Closure of Malawi’s Largest Refugee Camp
A humanitarian crisis looms at Malawi’s largest refugee camp, as the UNHCR has declared its inability to continue operations at the facility, which currently houses around 57,000 refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Somalia, Burundi, and Ethiopia.
In June, the UN refugee agency revealed that a substantial funding deficit has compelled it to scale back its global initiatives, resulting in the elimination of approximately 3,500 staff positions.
Since the UNHCR began its operations in Malawi in 1994, camp supervisors and security staff have already been let go, and the agency is now in the process of selling off its vehicles, equipment, and other assets.
Conditions at Dzaleka, the nation’s primary center for refugees and asylum seekers, are concerning. The UNHCR has noted that several other NGOs operating within the overcrowded camp are also reducing their activities and halting community training and awareness initiatives.
A Dire Outlook for Refugees in Malawi
Dzaleka predominantly accommodates individuals from the Great Lakes region of Africa and the Horn of Africa.
Civil society groups and activists are voicing their worries about the welfare of those living in Dzaleka, particularly regarding access to essential services for women and children.
“This situation is quite alarming, especially for women who are already marginalized. The services designed to protect human rights and address gender issues are insufficient. For example, healthcare services are lacking, and with job cuts, the situation is only going to worsen,” remarked Jessie Chingoma, a gender and labor activist. “Basic public services were already inadequate, and now they will deteriorate further.”
What Lies Ahead for the Refugees?
Reports suggest that the government has initiated talks with the refugees’ countries of origin about possible repatriation. Innocent Magambi, a refugee rights advocate from Lilongwe who previously lived in the camp, expressed his concerns to DW. “The refugees are anxious, as many fear losing the little security they currently have.”
The potential closure of Dzaleka without a feasible alternative could result in “a significant disaster,” cautioned human rights activist Undule Mwakasungula. He added that it “could expose refugees to severe human rights violations, including the risk of being forcibly returned to their home countries.”
As of March 31, the UNHCR reported that it had received only 12% of the $26 million (€22 million) required to adequately support refugees and asylum seekers in Malawi this year, severely restricting its operations.
Inside Dzaleka Camp
Originally intended to accommodate between 10,000 and 12,000 individuals, Dzaleka was housing 56,779 refugees from the DRC, Rwanda, Somalia, Burundi, and Ethiopia by the end of 2024.
Since 1994, conflicts and political instability across Africa have driven many to seek refuge in Dzaleka. In February 2025 alone, thousands of Mozambicans arrived in Malawi seeking safety.
UNHCR statistics indicate a monthly influx of nearly 300 individuals, with women and children making up 93% of the camp’s population.
According to a 2024 UNHCR factsheet on Malawi, “Dzaleka refugee camp remains highly congested, resulting in poor living conditions and inadequate infrastructure due to limited space and resources.”
Calls for Enhanced Support
Organizations such as the Malawi Network Against Trafficking are calling on civil society and the private sector to help address the crisis.
“I believe multiple stakeholders need to get involved. We have already seen government efforts, but the UN should not abandon the situation,” Chingoma told DW.
There are also recommendations for the UNHCR and the Malawi government to work closely on the voluntary repatriation program initiated in 2023. So far, 310 refugees from Burundi and Somalia have returned home under this initiative.
However, not everyone supports the notion of voluntary repatriation. “When you cite a funding gap and then propose closing the refugee camp or seeking repatriation, that does not align with the true context of repatriation,” Magambi commented.
“Repatriation should be a voluntary choice made by individuals who evaluate their circumstances back home, rather than being influenced by external factors such as funding shortages and the government’s inability to support refugees.”
Human rights advocates are warning the government against forced repatriations. DW attempted to reach the government through the office of Homeland Security but did not receive a response.
What Are Refugees Saying?
DW spoke with Innocent Magambi, a former resident of Dzaleka, about what he believes is necessary in light of the UNHCR’s funding shortfall.
“Future planning should focus on reducing dependency on donor support for refugees who have been in Dzaleka for over 31 years,” Magambi stated.
“We need to engage with donors, as the perception that refugees in Dzaleka have been treated as an emergency for more than 30 years does not inspire confidence for ongoing financial support without a clear end plan.”
