The Government of Mozambique on Friday (22nd July, 2022) started repatriating its citizens who were displaced by Tropical Storm Ana-induced floods and sought shelter in Malawi in January, 2022.

Speaking in Nsanje District as he saw off citizens who left today by bus and boat to Mourrambala District which borders Nsanje, Mozambican High Commissioner to Malawi Elias Zimba said the repatriation will be completed within seven days.

“We have already set 2,300 plots and built some shelters for their return. We have also prepared some return packages which they will all receive upon arrival,” said Zimba.

He commended the Malawi Government for hosting the displaced Mozambican citizens.

“The Malawi Government welcomed and hosted our citizens even though, they too, were constrained and did not have enough means. We will never forget this gesture. This is a spirit of brotherhood. Tropical Storm Ana was so devastating but the positive part of it all is that it brought Malawians and Mozambicans together. We are one people and therefore, the spirit of brotherhood should prevail amongst us in all spheres of our lives” he said.

In his remarks, Commissioner for Disaster Management Affairs Charles Kalemba said the Malawi Government will provide all necessary support to ensure that the displaced Mozambicans get back home smoothly and rebuild their lives.

“The disaster brought life to a standstill for the displaced people. It is high time they went back and rebuild their lives.

“Let me commend the two countries for collaborating in assisting those that were affected by the disaster. Mozambique provided relief items that assisted not only its citizens, but also Malawians,” said Kalemba.

A total of 1,617 households (approximately 8,085 people) who remained in Malawi are expected to be repatriated by 29th July.