European Union (EU) Allocates €200,000 in Humanitarian Aid for Mozambican Asylum Seekers in Malawi
In response to the influx of asylum seekers in Mozambique, the EU has allocated 200,000 euros of emergency humanitarian assistance to assist affected people in a safe and dignified way to meet their urgent basic needs.
The influx comes after post-election protests in Mozambique, where claims against election fraud have led to national unrest in the October 2024 elections. The violence has forced thousands of people to escape, and more than 7,000 Mozambique asylum seekers are currently registered in Malawi, mainly in the Nsanje and Dedza areas. To better manage the crisis, the Malawi government has partnered with partners to move asylum seekers to the Nyamithuthu Camp on January 29, 2025.
EU funding will strengthen the Malawi Red Cross (MRCS) to provide much-needed relief, including shelter, clean water, multi-purpose cash, health care and sanitation. In addition, efforts will address the impact on boarding communities, including pressure on water resources, deforestation and sanitation.
The six-month project will be implemented by the end of August 2025 and is expected to benefit all registered asylum seekers. Funding is part of the EU’s overall contribution to the Red Cross and the Red Crescent Society (IFRC) International Disaster Emergency Fund (DREF).
The unrest in Mozambique originated from the fierce general election held on October 9, 2024.
The controversy sparked nationwide protests, with security forces using real-time ammunition to disperse protesters. Elevated violence has led to mass displacement, with thousands of Mozambique seeking asylum in neighboring Malawi, furthering humanitarian response efforts in the region. So far, no further influx is expected after the 100-day final atum given by opposition leaders. Although the number of newcomers has slowed down, the political situation in Mozambique remains volatile, causing future displacement.
background
The EU and its member states are major donors of global humanitarian aid. Relief assistance is an expression of solidarity in Europe for those in need around the world. It aims to save lives, prevent and alleviate human suffering, and protect the integrity and human dignity of the population affected by natural disasters and man-made crises.
Through its European civil protection and humanitarian assistance operations, the EU helps millions of victims of conflict and disasters each year. Based in Brussels and the global field office, the EU is helping the most vulnerable according to humanitarian needs.
The European Commission has signed a €14.5 million humanitarian donation agreement with the International Red Cross and the Red Crescent Society (IFRC) to support the Federal Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF). DREF funds are allocated primarily to “small-scale” disasters – those that do not cause formal international appeals.
The Disaster Response Emergency Fund was established in 1979 and received donors. Funds can be requested from the DREF every time the National Red Cross or Red Crescent Society requires immediate financial support to deal with the disaster. For small disasters, the IFRC allocates grants to the fund, which can then be supplemented by donors. The donation agreement between IFRC and ECHO allows the latter to supplement the agreed operations (suitable for its humanitarian mandate) to a total of €14.5 million.
The Apo Group was awarded to the Republic of Malawi on behalf of the EU delegation.
