Tanzania has offered temporary resident permits (TRPs) to Malawians living in that country in a move that could reduce tension that has engulfed the two countries.
This was disclosed by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Abel Kayembe when asked if there has been any agreement between Malawi and Tanzania over Lilongwe’s citizens facing expulsion from Dodoma.
Tanzania started deporting foreigners, including Malawians, who were reported to be living in that country illegally. Some of the deported ones were camped at the CCAP Livingstonia Synod. And in a possible retaliation, some Malawians wanted to set Mzuzu Taifa Market, associated with Tanzanians, on fire. Police quickly intervened.
Kayembe was asked if there is any agreement with the government of Tanzania as an immediate solution to the problem.
“Malawians have been asked to apply for TRPs as an immediate solution. Those that applied are still in Tanzania, but those that did not are the ones that were deported,” said Kayembe yesterday.
He disclosed that Tanzania was expelling illegal immigrants who were in Tanzania without proper documentation.
On Tuesday, Vice-President Khumbo Kachali visited deported Malawians in Mzuzu. Kachali asked Malawians not to avenge.
Kachali offered government assistance to the victims.
