Swazi Observer

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OVER 900 ASYLUM SEEKERS REGISTERED AT MALINDZA

By NOKUPHILA HAJI | 2024-12-31

A total of 911 asylum seekers had been registered at the Malindza refugee camp as of yesterday.
This was shared by Prime Minister Russell Dlamini in a statement. Dlamini said the number of asylum seekers remained relatively low and stable between November to December 14.

These were the times that the riots started in Mozambique, which was slightly after the election results were announced.

The prime minister said the daily count of asylum seekers arriving in the country then were not exceeding 23 arrivals per day.

He said a significant increase in arrivals had been observed from December 15, highlighting that the daily counts were reaching 399 arrivals on December 29.

Dlamini said it was important to note that the above figures only accounted for those who sought to be registered and requested to be accommodated at the Malindza refugee Camp.
Following the unrest that erupted in recent months in the neighbouring Republic of Mozambique, the Kingdom of Eswatini has experienced an influx of asylum seekers entering the country from Mozambique.

These asylum seekers comprise of all gender and demographic groups,” he said.

assessment

Dlamini also noted the surge in the number of asylum seekers entering the country. He said following an assessment of the situation conducted on December 27 by the different stakeholders who were led by the ministry of home affairs, a high-level meeting was convened at the Private and Cabinet offices to deliberate on the influx of individuals seeking refuge within the country’s borders.

“The meeting considered the situation updates provided by the different stakeholders, the camp assessment report highlighting the needs for essential supplies, shelter conditions, water supply and sanitation and hygiene facilities and a draft response plan,” he said.

dignity
He said it was, therefore, important for the country to re-emphasise government’s commitment to upholding human dignity and international humanitarian principles. He said government was ready to extend protection and support to those fleeing the disturbances.

Dlamini said government would be meeting weekly to get updates and guidance on the situation.
He said in order to ensure a harmonised and efficient response, government designated the deputy prime minister’s office, through the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), to coordinate Government’s Technical Response Team.

“The technical team has been tasked with, among other things, finalising the draft Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan, and implementing systems for tracking new arrivals. This is by monitoring the situation, and providing weekly updates to a Ministerial Coordination Team led by the prime minister’s office,” he said.

Dlamini appealed to all partners and stakeholders for support in responding to this humanitarian challenge that was being faced by Mozambique. He said this challenge urgently required the country to avail resources like providing shelter, food, healthcare, and other essential services to the asylum seekers.

solidarity
He said stakeholders’ cooperation and solidarity in this effort would be instrumental in ensuring the well-being of those displaced.

“Government appeals to all asylum seekers who have arrived in the country to register promptly with the High Commission of Mozambique, immigration officials, the Malindza refugee Camp, and security patrols along the border,” he said.

Dlamini added that the registration of the asylum seekers was a critical step in ensuring that the country could provide appropriate assistance and services, as well as maintaining public safety and order.

He said government assured the nation that security remained a top priority even during this time.

He urged local authorities and community leaders in all regions to collaborate with government to ensure that every asylum seeker was registered and accounted for to help government in managing the situation effectively.

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