COMBATING ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION IN MALAWI-THE COMMUNITY POLICING APPROACH

1. COMBATING ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION IN MALAWI-THE COMMUNITY POLICING APPROACH PRESENTATION BY GOERGE KAINJA, DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, MALAWI POLICE SERVICE, COMMUNITY POLICING SERVICES BRANCH OF THE MALAWI POLICE SERVICE PRESENTED AT LILONGWE HOTEL ON 1ST OCTOBER, 2010

2. OUTLINE OF THE PAPER • AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE PRESENTATION • INTRODUCTION • THE NATURE AND EXTENT OF THE PROBLEM OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS IN MALAWI • MAIN ACTORS IN THE FIGHT AGAINST ILLIGAL IMMIGRATION • GENERAL STRATEGIES PUT IN PLACE TO COMBAT ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS • THE MALAWI POLICE SERVICE COMMUNITY POLICING APPROACH IN STOPPING ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION AND MIGRATION • KEY OBSERVATIONS • KEY RECOMMENDATIONS • CONCLUSION • QUESTION AND ANSWERS

3. AIMS/OBJECTIVES OF THE PRESENTATION • To discuss the nature and extent of the illegal immigration and migration problem in Malawi. • To share the MPS Community policing approach to combating illegal migration and immigration • To suggest how the problem of illegal immigration and migration can be stopped in the region and beyond

4. INTRODUCTION • According to United Nations Reports, international migration is a vast phenomenon that continues to increase. • The total number of international migrants, i.e. those residing in a country other than where they were born, was 175 million in 2000, or about 3 percent of the world population. • In absolute terms, this global number is about twice as large as it was in 1970.

5. Introduction Cont.. • Malawi continues to host the refugees and asylum seekers most of them now coming from the Great Lakes Region and East Africa notably Rwanda, Burundi, the DRC, Somalia and Ethiopia. •  While civil wars are effectively over in some of these countries, refugees or asylum seekers continue to enter Malawi at an alarming rate. Cases of arrests of illegal immigrants moving in groups are not new in the country.

6. Introduction Cont… • There have been reports and arrests of groups of illegal immigrants from East Africa (Somalia, Ethiopia and Pakistan) found hiding in various places, some even hiding in the belly of tanker that was about to cross into Mozambique at Mwanza boarder. •  Whatever way one looks at the problem of illegal entry of foreigners into Malawi, what is surprising is how large groups of people moving like birds find their way into the country without anyone noticing their entry after traveling long distances from the boarder.

7. Introduction Continued.. • Looking at the long distances between Malawi and the countries where these illegal immigrants come from, there is no way one would expect them to use unchartered routes in the boarder areas to gain entry into the country. • Apparently, the intermittent surprise swoops by the Police and the Immigration have not done much to curb illegal aliens.

8. Who are illegal immigrants? • For the purpose of this presentation, Illegal Immigrants or non-documented immigrants shall be referred to as, those persons that enter into the country either through uncharted routes or legally through the normal routes but decide to remain in the country after the expiry of either their visas or other forms of permit given to them.

9. THE NATURE AND EXTENT OF THE PROBLEM OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS IN MALAWI • It is estimated that Malawi is home to some 279, 000 immigrants. This represents 2.1% of the total world immigrants. • However the exact number of illegal immigrants is not known. • In terms of Refugees and Asylum seekers, Malawi is currently hosting about to 15,000 refugees at its various refugee camps. • Statistics show that in the year 2008/2009 346 illegal immigrants were convicted and 1900 were deported while in 2009/2010 481 illegal immigrants were convicted and 2850 were deported

10. Nature and Extent of illegal immigration Cont.. • Precise names of countries that supply largest number of illegal immigrants to Malawi include: Somalia, Rwanda, Burundi, Ethiopia, Democratic, Republic of Congo, Sudan, Tanzania, Pakistan, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Asia • The exact number of illegal immigrants that come from each of the above countries can-not be ascertained. • However reports indicate that Malawi receives an average of 5000 illegal immigrants annually.

11. Nature and Extent of illegal immigration Cont.. • Many illegal immigrants who masquerade as refugees especially those from the Horn of Africa, have little interest in remaining in camps • They are becoming recipients of international assistance once they enter Malawi. • Instead, their primary objective is to reach South Africa, to join family and clan members who have already made that journey, to find work or establish a small business there.

12. THE PUSH (MOTIVATION) FACTORS FOR THE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS PROBLEM IN MALAWI • Malawi is attracting foreigners because of its peace and tranquility. Malawi has been peaceful since independence. • Malawi is being used as a conduit to traffic human beings to South Africa and other greener pastures • Availability of linkage between local and international organized human trafficking syndicates. • Other quarters say it easy for foreigners to obtain Malawi Passport • Lack of National Identification certificates • Corrupt tendency by some communities, local leaders and some government officials • The current economic growth and food security. • Porous borders

13. HOW ARE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS IDENTIFIED, AND WHAT ARE THEIR MODE OF TRANSPORT • They are usually within the age bracket of 18 to 35 years • They are mostly found travelling in groups of between 20 and 40 people • They are usually males • Once they enter Malawi borders, they try all they can to avoid the Police or authorities • They usually use un-chartered routes when entering Malawi • They usually enter Malawi at night and try to make their way through Malawi at night • Some-times they have reasonable amount cash with them, such that they can even bribe government officials • They usually enter Malawi through Northern part in particular, Nkhata Bay, Karonga, Chitipa, Nkhotakota and Salima.

14. WHO ARE THE PERPETRATORS OF THE PROBLEM There is ample but unsubstantiated evidence that most illegal immigrants find their way to and through Malawi with the help of various categories of people who include: • Affluent Malawian • Organised syndicates • Foreigners from as far as the horn of Africa and great lakes region, and Asia • Some local Malawians • Some local leaders • Some government officials • Organized syndicates

15. ILLEGAL MIGRATION RELATED PROBLEMS Issues of illegal migration exacerbate the following problems: • Human and Child trafficking • Prostitution • Child labour • Organised crime including armed robberies and car hijackings • Threats of terrorism

16. IMPACT OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION IN MALAWI • Illegal immigrants pose several challenges. These include: • Safety and security threat, in particular crime • Transmission of infectious and contagious diseases • Involvement in prostitution, • Scramble for land • Benefiting of Malawi’s taxpayers through social amenities including health and education • Taking up businesses and jobs from local Malawians

17. KEY CHALLENGES TO COMBAT ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION • Lack of comprehensive and harmonised legislation on Illegal Immigrants • Porous borders • Inadequate border personnel • Corruption by responsible officials • Lack of knowledge on the importance of controlling illegal immigration • Un-coordinated efforts to deal with the problem.

18. MAIN ACTORS IN COMBATING ILLEGAL MIGRATION AND IMMIGRATION • The Ministry of Internal affairs and public security • The police • The department of Immigration • Community Policing forums

19. ROLES OF THE MAIN ACTORS IN COMBATING ILLEGAL MIGRATION AND IMMIGRATION • The Ministry is responsible for oversight, policy and guidance • Police and Immigration officials conduct border patrols • Immigration department conducts border controls • Community police forums patrol their areas and bring information to police • Police and other stakeholders sensitise the communities on the implications of keeping, aiding or failing to report any illegal immigrants • Community police forums also conduct surveillance on illegal immigrants.

20. GENERAL STRATEGIES PUT IN PLACE TO COMBAT THE PROBLEM OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS These include: • Intensified border patrols and survellous • Formation of community policing structures in along international boundary • Erection of more ad-hoc roadblocks • Awareness campaigns on the apparent increase in illegal immigrants. • Training and empowering communities on illegal immigrant related issues.

21. LONG TERMS STRATEGIES TO DEAL WITH THE PROBLEM • Developing and implementing a policy to guide government and stakeholder action in the fight against the problem • Quick rolling out of the National Birth Registration exercise to all districts • Developing a comprehensive legislation that should cover all issues relating to illegal immigrants • Opening camps in border districts where all suspected illegal entrants can be kept and screened • Train concerned government department and stakeholder on illegal immigrant and refugee related issues and how to identify and screen immigrants

22. THE MALAWI POLICE SERVICE(MPS) COMMUNITY POLICING APPROACH TO STOP ILLIGAL IMMIGRANTS • The MPS Mandate: the Constitution of Malawi Section153 mandates the Malawi Police Service to provide for the protection of public security and rights of all persons through investigation, prevention, detection of crime, apprehension and prosecution of offenders, maintenance of law and order and protection of life and property. • The MPS Mission: ‘We the Malawi Police Service working in partnership with the community and all stakeholders are committed to professional service of quality and magnitude in protection of public safety and rights of all persons in Malawi,’ reads the mission statement as articulated in the 2008-13 Strategic Plan.

23. The Stop Illegal Immigrants Initiative • The Malawi Police Service through Community Policing Services Branch, in Jan 2010 embarked on a Stop illegal Immigrants project • The project was embarked after noting increased proliferation of illegal immigrants in the cities of Mzuzu, Lilongwe, Blantyre and other parts of the country.

24. THE MPS COMMUNITY POLICING • This is a philosophy that recognizes the interdependence and shared responsibility of the police and the community • Aims at establishing active and equal partnership between the police and the public • This is a management style or organizational strategy that promotes pro-active problem solving and police – community partnership

25. COMMUNITY POLICING STRUCTURE CPSB HEADQUARTERS REGIONAL COORDINATOR STATION COORDINATOR Schools outreach And Youth involvement Child protection Victim Support Services Social crime Prevention and Reduction Community Safety and partnership Information Good practice Database

26. COMMUNITY POLICING EXECUTIVE FORUM STRUCTURES National Executive Forum Draws all stakeholders at national level And representatives of REF/REC Draws all stakeholders at regional level And representatives of all stations in the Region Regional Executive Forum Station Executive Forum Draws all district stakeholders Draws all stakeholders at Traditional Authority level Community police Forum

27. AIMS /OBJCETIVES OF THE STOP ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS INIATIVE • To encourage the communities and all stakeholders to cooperate with the safety and security organs of government in order to stop these people to enter in our country illegally. • The overall objectives to stop the malpractices by some Malawians who assist the illegal immigrants to enter our country. Specific objectives:- • To civic educate and encourage community members along Lake Malawi to remain vigilant and report to police on illegal immigrants • To sensitize general public especially targeting lakeshore communities on dangers of allowing the illegal immigrants • To strengthen and consolidate the bond between the communities and police on safety and security issues • Respond to specific questions on safety and security on illegal immigrants • To civic educate traditional leaders on their roles when handling issues of illegal immigrants

28. THE METHODOLOGY • The project started in January 2010 and targets Lakeshore districts of Nkhata-bay, Nkhota-kota and Salima and border districts of Karonga and Chitipa • Various stakeholders including Traditional leaders, Immigration officials, District council officials, Members of Community police structures, Faith communities, Members of Village and Area Development Committees, Police officers, Business community, the Media and members of different political parties are being engaged and sensitized • After the launch, the facilitating team proceeded to various places in the district to hold mass awareness and civic education meetings. • Leaflets of safety and security were issued in all the meetings. • Information dissemination is being done through presentations, distribution of leaflets and theater and drama during meetings conducted in CPF in the project impact area

29. KEY MESSAGES IN THE PRESENTATIONS/LEAFLETS • Presentation made during the awareness campaign focused on the following key areas:- • Overall objectives of the sensitization meeting on illegal immigrants • Problem overview concerning illegal immigrants • Challenges paused by illegal immigrants on economy, health, safety and security • Ways of reporting and apprehending illegal immigrants • Role of police and community police forums on illegal immigrants • Role of the local leaders and members of the community

30. KEY MESSAGES IN THE PRESENTATIONS/LEAFLETS Continued.. Evils of illegal immigration such as: • Increase on crime • Strange diseases as illegal immigrants are not screened by health officials • Prostitution • Scramble for living space in the country • Illegal immigrants do access to social amenities budgeted for local people • Taking up of business and job which was for indigenous people

31. KEY MESSAGES IN THE PRESENTATIONS/LEAFLETS Roles of Main Actors, Police • Conduct patrols in all areas • Arresting illegal immigrants • Mobilizing the communities to be vigilant • Prosecuting illegal immigrants • Sensitizing communities • Surveillance • Non –indulgence in corruption or any malpractices

32. ROLES OF THE LOCAL LEADERS AND MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY • Reporting malpractices to relevant authorities • Conducting patrols • Mobilize their communities to be vigilant • Effect citizen arrests • Avoid corruption • Sensitize their subjects on illegal immigrants

33. GENERAL OUTPUT OF THE PROJECT • Dissemination of Stop illegal immigrants messages to more than 50000 people along the lake shore and border districts • More than 80 Traditional leaders engaged and empowered to stop and report illegal immigrants • More than 50 CPFS engaged and empowered to stop and report illegal immigrants

34. GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS With the aim of addressing the observed problems, improving safety and security towards illegal immigrants and ensure smooth implementation of Community Policing activities it is therefore recommended that:- • National, Regional and District Police headquarters to organize continuous follow-up meetings with the communities to ensure that this problem is eradicated • The Police service to maintain regular foot and vehicle patrol along lakeshore areas • Communities to be on watch in respect of these illegal immigrants • Police road blocks urged to conduct thorough checks

35. IMPACT OF THE PROJECT SO FAR • The intervention has resulted in in creased stopping and reporting of illegal immigrants to police • In Karonga a total of 126 illegal immigrants of Ethiopia, Somali Kenya and Tanzania origin were stop and reported to police • In Nkhatabay a total of 228 illegal immigrants of Ethiopia, Somali Kenya and Tanzania origin were stop and reported to police

36. Impact of the project so far • In Rumphi a total of 68 illegal immigrants of Ethiopia, Somali, Rwanda and Tanzania origin were stop and reported to police • In Nkhotakota a total of 25 illegal immigrants of Ethiopia, Somali Kenya and Tanzania origin were stop and reported to police • In Karonga a total of 83 illegal immigrants of Ethiopia, Somali Zambia and Tanzania origin were stop and reported to police

37. Impact of the project so far • In Salima a total of 30 illegal immigrants of Ethiopia, Somali Kenya and Tanzania origin were stop and reported to police • Decrease in illegal immigrants using the lake as entry point into Malawi • Increased Community survellous

38. CONCLUSION • Combating illegal migration and immigration requires a multi-sectoral and multinational approach. Therefore there is a need for nations and the region to continue collaborating if we are to win the battle against illegal migration • Community involvement and engagement is very crucial to any strategy that may be designed to combat the proliferation of illegal immigrants in the country and the region as a whole • There is need for joint border operations and information/intelligence among , main actors, sister nations and beyond • There is a need for the countries to enact legislations that answers the current immigration and migration challenges the region is facing.

39. THANK YOU FOR LISTENING • ZIKOMO KWAMBIRI