The UNHCR’s Regional Update for Southern Africa outlines significant challenges due to Cyclone Chido and unrest in Mozambique, affecting thousands. Initiatives in Angola and Namibia seek to enhance refugee self-reliance. Additionally, discussions among Southern African officials aim to address complex migration and asylum issues through improved coordination.
In the Southern Africa region, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported significant developments during the last quarter of 2024. Communities affected by Cyclone Chido and post-election turbulence in Mozambique received crucial assistance, including essential items and services. Additionally, registration exercises in Angola and Namibia aimed to improve the self-sufficiency and protection of refugees. Furthermore, displaced individuals in Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Malawi, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe were supported in accessing education and vocational training opportunities.
Cyclone Chido made landfall in northern Mozambique on December 15, unleashing heavy rains and strong winds that devastated parts of Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa provinces. The cyclone affected over 453,000 individuals, destroyed more than 70,000 homes, and inflicted severe damage on infrastructure in areas already housing roughly 300,000 displaced persons. The storm’s impact also reached Comoros and led to significant damage in Malawi.
The DRC continues to grapple with armed conflict, particularly in the eastern provinces of North and South Kivu. Civilians are enduring violence, forced displacements, and an increase in human rights violations. December witnessed a surge in mass displacements, prompting the renewal of the UN peacekeeping mandate for 2025 and the extension of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mission in the DRC for another year.
In Mozambique, unrest followed the presidential elections held on December 9, resulting in protests, strikes, road blockades, looting, and property destruction. This volatile situation forced thousands to seek refuge in neighboring countries. By the end of December, over 1,100 asylum-seekers, including more than 600 children, had been registered in Malawi’s Nsanje District, while approximately 950 individuals received shelter at the Malindza Refugee Reception Centre in Eswatini.
In December, officials from Southern African governments convened a meeting co-hosted by SADC and UNHCR focused on implementing a route-based approach to tackle the complex challenges faced by refugees and migrants in mixed movements. Discussions highlighted the importance of improving coordination among Member States to enhance protection, align migration and asylum policies, and initiate systems for regular data sharing.
In summary, the UNHCR’s Operational Update for Southern Africa reflects the ongoing challenges in the region, particularly due to natural disasters like Cyclone Chido and socio-political upheaval in Mozambique. Amid these crises, initiatives aimed at improving the conditions for displaced individuals through educational support and refugee registration have gained momentum. Collaborative efforts among governments and organizations are essential to enhance protection and address migration challenges effectively.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
