Hunger, aid cuts drives desperation at Dzaleka

Refugee leaders have attributed hunger and aid cuts at Dzaleka Refugee Camp to the growing desperation among families.

In a statement released by Spokesperson of Urban Leadership for Rwandan Refugees Living outside the camp, Bantubino Leopold, conditions at the camp have deteriorated following a sharp reduction in humanitarian support.

According to Leopold, women are turning to prostitution, children dropping out of school, and youth resorting to crime and drugs.

“Children are dropping out of school. Women are being forced into prostitution. Some boys are committing robbery to get food, while other youth are taking alcohol and drugs to cope with their misery,” the statement reads.

Dzaleka Camp in Dowa was built to accommodate around 12,000 people but the statement has revealed that it now hosts more than 60,000 refugees and receives about 300 new arrivals every month.

Leopold said since June 2025, UNHCR downscaled its operations in Malawi, there is a drastic cut in assistance.

He added that the World Food Programme is now providing rations that can barely sustain one person for one week, with each refugee receiving approximately 10 US Dollars per month.

Leopold also pointed out on the 1989 Refugee Act, which bars refugees from working and from leaving the camp without permission from the Camp Manager.

He said those found outside camp looking for work are arrested by Immigration and Police officers and prosecuted, with some currently detained at Maula Central Prison.

Leopold is urging government to fast-track amendments to the law, stating that permitting refugees to seek employment in urban areas would enable them to provide for their families without depending on humanitarian assistance.