The Zambian government has reaffirmed its commitment to collaborate with Malawi in the management of refugees.
A delegation from Malawi, led by General Ignacio Maulana, Commissioner for the Department of Refugees, is currently on a week-long study visit to Zambia to explore refugee management practices.
On Wednesday, the delegation met with Luckson Mulumbi, Deputy Permanent Secretary for Northwestern Province of Zambia who expressed Zambia’s willingness to host the Malawian team for their study and discussed the importance of cooperation on refugee issues.
“The message from His Excellency the state President Hakainde Hichilema is that the government of the Republic of Zambia remains committed to work with Malawi government and every other African countries and to view every African as a brother and to view each other a partners in development,” Mulumbi said .
Mulumbi further highlighted the positive impact that refugees have had on Zambia, noting that they bring valuable skills and expertise from their home countries.
In remarks Salim Bagus, the chairperson of the parliamentary committee on Defense and Security, commended Zambia for being a true friend and partner in development for Malawi.
Bagus emphasized that the study visit serves as a vital learning opportunity for Malawi, particularly as the country is in the process of relocating refugees and asylum seekers from Dzaleka Refugee Camp in Dowa District to Chitipa District.
He added that this collaboration offers Malawi the chance to enhance its refugee management practices.
The Malawian delegation also visited local traditional leaders near the Meheba Refugee Settlement, the District Commissioner for Kalumbila District as well as touring some structures at Meheba Refugee Settlement.
The Malawian delegation comprises of officials from the Ministry of Homeland security, Department of Refugees, Chitipa District Commissioner McMillan Magomero, Chiefs from Chitipa district led by Senior Chief Mwaulambiya as well as Chitipa East member of parliament Kezzie Msukwa.