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Hope in the face of hardship

In the early hours of October 12th, around 3 a.m, chaos descended upon Dzaleka Refugee Camp as the Malawi Defence Force (MDF) launched a raid; the second one of its kind this year, following a similar operation in July.

For Dzaleka’s refugee community, already scarred by the trauma of fleeing violence, the raid reignited feelings of fear and panic as MDF personnel reportedly fired shots into the air for close to three hours, creating widespread alarm.

In the midst of this commotion, a tragic story emerged: a 16-year-old Congolese boy, Paul, suffered three gunshot wounds to his foot. The bullets shattered bones, leaving him with a life-threatening injury and an uncertain path to recovery.

His family, overwhelmed and uncertain where to turn, reached out to us for help. In response, we quickly sought assistance from our local community, rallying partners and well-wishers to provide immediate support.

Kaza Kitchen, a Lilongwe-based restaurant known not only for its exceptional food but also for fostering community connections and service, played a crucial role in raising funds to cover Paul’s urgent medical needs.

Thanks to this generous support, we were able to care for him and get him to the Lilongwe Institute of Orthopaedics and Neurosurgery (LION). On October 18, 2024, he was discharged with his condition stabilized though still fragile, and he awaits continued treatment.

The MDF raids in Dzaleka specifically target Ethiopian human traffickers who, with alleged backing from some government officials, have established Dzaleka as a base of their operations. Despite arrests made during the first raid, the traffickers were reportedly released without facing any court proceedings.

Amid the chaos, MDF officials have also allegedly been taking advantage of the situation  to steal money and other valuables from the Dzaleka residents.

At Inua Advocacy, we believe no child should face suffering alone, and we are committed to walking alongside Paul and his family as they heal from this tragedy.

His journey reflects the challenges faced by so many in Dzaleka, a community navigating not only discriminatory laws that deny them the right to live with dignity but also the impact of corrupt leaders who prioritize power and profit over human rights.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who has supported our mission. Your generosity helps us to stand with a community in need; bringing aid, compassion, and hope where it is needed most. We invite you to continue partnering with us, whether through long-term support or a one-time donation, to uplift vulnerable refugees in Dzaleka as they navigate these challenges.