
Deslocados moçambicanos no Malawi. Imagem UNHCR
Maputo, 3 Feb (AIM) – Mozambique’s relief agency, the National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction (INGD), has made available 72 tonnes of food to 7,330 people who fled to neighboring Malawi as a result of post-election tension, characterized by rioting and looting in which over 300 people have lost their lives.
These refugees are from the central province of Zambézia, especially from Morrumbala district.
Mass demonstrations, called by the former presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane in order to protest against the fraudulent results of the general elections held last October, began peacefully but then degenerated into rioting, including the destruction of public and private property, road blockades and the looting of stores.
According to INGD chairperson, Luísa Meque, speaking to reporters after arriving in Malawi on Friday, the humanitarian assistance is aimed at benefiting those who fled the country as a result of the demonstrations.
The INGD also made available 650 tonnes of essential products, including hygiene material and clothing.
“The situation that led you to come here is not at all good, when we are being harassed and our houses are being vandalized. The government is concerned, knowing that there are Mozambican brothers here in Malawi. It made an effort to bring this support here to the refugee centre”, Meque said.
“In this first phase we have rice, flour, beans and salt. We have also brought blankets and mosquito nets. There is security in Morrumbala district and you should think about returning soon”, she added.
For his turn, Alexandre Manjate, the Mozambican High Commissioner in Malawi,
also called on the refugees to prepare to return to their areas of origin, “since there is no more insecurity.”
(AIM)
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