By: Chigomezgo Chisi

Lilongwe, Malawi — Displaced residents of Kasasile under Traditional Authority M’bwana in Nkhata Bay have been dealt a heavy blow after the Malawi Defence Force (MDF) declared they will not be allowed back onto what they claim to be their customary land.

During a recent stakeholders’ meeting in Lilongwe, MDF officials read a communique affirming that it’s Goldon Memorial Shooting Range remains critical for local and international military training, making the area off‑limits.

The statement, delivered in full military attire, lasted over ninety minutes and stunned the evicted community representatives.

“This is very devastating. We thought this was a forum for dialogue, but the MDF seems unmoved with its earlier position,” said one representative of the displaced families.

The meeting was expected to include ministers of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Defence, Local Government, and Justice and Constitutional affairs, but all were reported abroad on official duties and only sent deputies.

Instead of charting a way forward, the MDF reiterated its stance, leaving villagers frustrated.

Community members say they remain hopeful that President Arthur Peter Mutharika is personally handling the matter, alongside a pending report from the Surveyor General on the recent adjudication works in Kasasile.

In now what seems to be broken promises, earlier this year, then‑Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development Jappie Mhango urged calm, assuring residents the President was addressing the issue.

But since Mhango’s re-apointment to Roads and Infrastructure, his successor Chimwemwe Chipungu has yet shown no interest in visiting the affected families.

In May last year, 1,172 residents petitioned the Attorney General demanding K150 billion in compensation for wrongful eviction. Lawyer Chipiliro Solomoni Mwale confirmed receiving instructions from community leaders Joshua Ngugi Msiska and Buleya Msowoya to pursue legal action.

The legal counsel said his clients — 300 families left homeless, hungry, and in some cases falsely imprisoned — expected a formal response within 90 days.

Over the weekend, locals held a meeting in Kasasile, voicing frustration over government delays and rumours surrounding the MDF’s latest declaration. Many fear promises of redress are fading as the army entrenches its position.