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Malawi Defense Force (MDF) deports 8 Ethiopian suspected Traffickers without due process

In February 2025, the Malawi Defense Force (MDF) deported eight Ethiopians who had been arrested during their second raid on Dzaleka Refugee Camp in October 2024. Despite strong evidence suggesting that these individuals were part of a larger human trafficking network, they were held for months at Kamuzu Barracks before being deported.

The MDF spokesperson justified the deportations by stating that these individuals “pose a security threat.” However, Inua Advocacy strongly believes that anyone accused of such crimes should be subjected to a fair trial in Malawi’s courts, rather than being deported without due process.

We strongly oppose the prolonged detention of civilians in military custody without legal proceedings, and we urge authorities to ensure that justice is pursued through lawful and transparent processes. Furthermore, we are deeply concerned by numerous allegations that members of the MDF have, for years, colluded with Ethiopian human traffickers who have turned Dzaleka into a hub for their operations. Read our full statement here: