MALAWI: Mgona Residents Push for Return of Burundian Produce Traders

By Smile Hamilton Malawi 

Some residents of Mgona in Lilongwe have asked the government to allow Burundian traders to return to the area’s produce market, arguing that their absence has led to rising unemployment and increased crime.

The residents say many people in the area depended on casual jobs created by the traders, including loading and offloading produce, shelling groundnuts and other related activities.

Speaking on behalf of traditional leaders in the area, Nyakwawa Pumulani Mwamale said the departure of Burundian traders several years ago deprived many households of a source of income.

“People here depend on casual labour. Loading goods and shelling groundnuts, among other activities, provided jobs. The departure of the Burundians has led to unemployment. When you hear reports of rising crime in this area, this is one of the causes,” said Mwamale.

Representing youths and the Mgona Groundnut Association, Chisomo Siyabu claimed that some Malawians were pushing for restrictions on Burundian traders out of jealousy and competition in the produce business.

Siyabu said some individuals were uncomfortable with the success of both Burundian traders and Malawians involved in the trade, leading to legal efforts aimed at limiting foreign participation in the market.

The calls come amid an ongoing dispute over the involvement of foreign nationals in produce trading at Mgona, one of the country’s busiest agricultural markets.

On Monday, the Mgona Agrodealer Association asked security agencies to help enforce a court order barring foreign nationals without valid documentation from engaging in produce trading activities in the area.