By Rahim Abdul

Residents of Kasasile in Nkhata Bay have expressed heartfelt gratitude to the country’s leadership for the support provided following their forced displacement by the Malawi Defence Force (MDF) in 2024. The displacement arose from disputes over local borders, which disrupted daily life for hundreds of families.

Chief Herbert Harawa confirmed that the national leader promptly responded by sending the Minister of Local Government and Transport, Jappie Mhango, to deliver essential relief items.

Aid included food, blankets and other basic necessities aimed at stabilizing the affected households.

Residents report that before the relief, they faced severe challenges including hunger, limited access to farming tools and seeds, unsafe water and disrupted education for children. The intervention has, they say, eased some of these pressures and restored hope in the community.

Chief Kavwalamtepo Munthali described the displacement as deeply traumatic, noting that families lost access to vital resources such as livestock, homes, fruit trees and farmland, all of which are central to their livelihoods.

Local senior relief officer Joshua Ngugi Msiska added that the abrupt relocation particularly affected young girls, many of whom were at risk of early marriages, cutting short their education and limiting future opportunities.

The residents praised the government’s efforts, emphasizing that timely support reduced their immediate suffering and helped them regain a sense of security after months of uncertainty.

Despite the relief, families are still appealing to authorities for assistance in returning to their original homes. They believe this step is essential to restore normalcy and allow them to rebuild their lives fully.

The displacement incident occurred on 6 December 2024, when families were forcefully removed by military personnel over disagreements about village boundaries with neighboring settlements.

Locals have expressed hope that continued government attention will not only address immediate needs but also provide long term solutions for infrastructure, farming support and education access to prevent future crises.

Community leaders have thanked the national leadership publicly, noting that while the trauma of displacement cannot be erased, the support demonstrates a commitment to protecting citizens’ welfare and reinforcing national unity.