Catholic officials in the Kingdom of Eswatini say more humanitarian assistance is required to keep up with arriving asylum seekers fleeing political unrest in Mozambique.
Likening the influx of refugees to that of the Holy Family’s Flight to Egypt, Bishop Jose Luis of the Diocese of Manzini said, “This child (with Mary and Joseph), though, will soon experience what it means to be a refugee.”
Since the beginning of the year, Malindza Refugee Camp in the Kingdom of Eswatini has registered at least 900 Mozambicans seeking shelter and assistance and half of them are reported to be young children.

The Bishop also called on families in his Diocese to be generous like what the Maggi did when they brought their gifts to the newly born child urging the local laity to do the same to asylum-seeking Mozambicans.
“I would therefore like to invite our diocese to bring gifts to the baby Jesus we see in one of these children by bringing one toy from home to be donated to the children at Malindza.
“I am not asking you to buy them but to share what we already have with them,” said Bishop Jose Luis who is also the President of Caritas Eswatini.

His office which appointed Dr. Diana Earnshaw as its National Director at the beginning of the year has so far donated hundreds of blankets and mattresses at the camp.
They said they are also working closely with the government which released a press statement highlighting that there is an urgent need for aid in form of food, shelter and healthcare amongst other essentials at the Refugee Camp.
Eswatini’s Prime Minister, Russell Dhlamini told journalists that they had set an emergency draft plan and were ready to support and assist those that seek refuge in their Kingdom.

“It is important to re-emphasise His Majesty’s Government’s commitment to upholding human dignity and international humanitarian principles, and her readiness to extend protection and support to those fleeing the disturbances,” he said.
Eswatini borders with Mozambique and has been witnessing an influx of Mozambicans running away from political unrest since the disputed elections in October 2024.
The number of refugees is expected to be higher than that of those who are registered and have requested accommodation at the Malindza Refugee Camp.