This follows the relocation of refugees from rural and urban areas to Dzaleka Camp in April 2023, which was enforced by the Lilongwe government. The first group of 38 Burundians left in July this year.

The repatriated refugees say they chose to go back to Burundi because of the limited resources at Dzaleka Camp, located in Dowa District, in the central region of Malawi.

The camp hosts 51,000 refugees who have faced a 50 percent cut in assistance from the World Food Programme since June, leaving them struggling to meet their dietary needs.

Refugees also receive only $5.90 per person per month to cover basics like soap and food items. Some of the refugees expressed joy at their return to their home country.

-- George Mhango/ChannelAfrica-