By Bahle Gama
Due to the ongoing civil unrest in neighbouring Mozambique, the country is
experiencing an influx of asylum seekers.
To date, the country through the Malindza Refugee Reception Center has received
357 asylum seekers from Mozambique within the last two weeks.
The largest number was received last Sunday night with 84 applications. Asylum seekers
include women and children.
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This was disclosed by the Minister of Home Affairs Princess Lindiwe during a
press conference at Malindza on Friday.
The Minister said it was imperative to note that many of these individuals were
previously granted international protection in Mozambique, yet now they have
been compelled to seek refuge elsewhere due to the deteriorating situation.
“They claim that they are fleeing to places of safety due to the unrest and
persecution of foreign nationals in Mozambique. Even on this occasion, His
Majesty’s government is willing to consider the plight of asylum seekers in line
with its adherence to international conventions,” Princess Lindiwe said.
However, the influx has caused a lot of strain on resources and the accommodation
at the Centre.
She reiterated that Malindza is no longer a refugee camp but is a reception center,
hence, it is not designed to accommodate many people. As a result, resources are
quite overstretched as this had not been anticipated.
“The Ministry is currently providing tents since our permanent structures are full.
Should we experience an increase in asylum seekers, we will consider setting up
Ndzevane Refugee Settlement as another emergency center.
We are also in the process of strengthening our water and sanitation facilities, and
health and security screening as a pre-requisite to admission in collaboration with
our partners,” she said.
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The Minister added that there is also a need to replenish food supplies and core
relief items such as hygiene packs, blankets, and mattresses. She said urgently
needed items include tents, clothes, dignity kits, toiletries, food, assistance, trained
volunteers, and security patrol.
She further extended appreciation to partners who have offered a helping hand by
making donations to the center.
In the interim, “the government of Eswatini is closely monitoring events as they
unfold and will keep the nation informed about developments as the situation
continues.”
