A series of armed robberies rocked the Dzaleka refugee camp on Wednesday night to Thursday. Six shops and several homes of money transfer agents were targeted by gunmen, who stole an as yet undetermined sum of money. This incident sparked a wave of outrage among the refugees, who denounced growing insecurity and pointed the finger at possible complicity on the part of law enforcement.

INFO SOS Médias Burundi

Attacks were reported in several areas of the camp, including Koronga I, Blantyre, Kawale I, and Dzaleka Centre. Witnesses claim that the robberies took place almost simultaneously, suggesting a coordinated action.

« How can we explain that six shops and several homes of money transfer agents were attacked in a single night, and that the police were neither alerted nor able to arrest the perpetrators? », asks a refugee who spoke on condition of anonymity.

One of the victimized traders told the police that more than 20 million Malawi kwachas (MWK) were stolen during the attack.

Night watchmen on strike, a climate of total insecurity

The security situation has worsened in recent days in the camp, particularly since the night watchmen, who are supposed to protect businesses, suspended their work due to non-payment of their salaries for the past six months.

« We contribute every month, but the watchmen say they aren’t paid. Where does this money go? Are they involved in these attacks? » asks a shopkeeper.

Suspicions of police complicity

Beyond the theft, refugees denounce the inaction of security forces, whom they accuse of doing nothing to ensure their safety.

« The police are only there to mistreat us, but when it comes to protecting us, they are absent. How can armed bandits enter a camp run by the UNHCR and the government without internal support? There must be complicity! », says a camp resident.

Faced with this situation, refugees are demanding independent investigations and exemplary sanctions against those responsible for this security negligence.

Dzaleka camp, located in the Dowa district of central Malawi, is home to more than 50,000 refugees, including more than 11,000 Burundians.

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A refugees’ house demolished by Malawian police in search of criminals in Dzaleka camp (SOS Médias Burundi)