Land Dispute Erupts in Lilongwe as Area 44 Residents Allege Sale of Ancestral Land to Foreigners
Residents of Area 44 in Lilongwe, located near Kamuzu Palace, are embroiled in a contentious land dispute, alleging that their ancestral land has been unlawfully sold to foreign nationals.
The issue, which has simmered since 2020, has escalated, with residents demanding justice and the return of their land.
Speaking at a press briefing in Lilongwe, Mlodza Ward councilor Fabiano Lupanga expressed frustration over the alleged land grab, noting that residents have been left without land for farming, jeopardizing their livelihoods and the future of their children.
Lupanga emphasized that despite efforts to engage authorities, including the Ministry of Lands and the District Council Office, their grievances remain unaddressed.
The residents, represented by Lupanga, issued a seven-day ultimatum for authorities to intervene and resolve the land dispute.
Lupanga’s resolve to pursue justice, even at personal risk, underscores the gravity of the situation and the determination of the affected community to reclaim their rights.
Sylvester Namiwa, Executive Director of the Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI), echoed the residents’ concerns, urging swift action from government and stakeholders in land matters.
Namiwa highlighted a loss of public trust in institutions tasked with land administration, citing allegations of favoritism towards foreign nationals and the elite.
The complexity of the dispute is evident in conflicting accounts and legal proceedings. While records indicate compensation payments for certain plots, disputes persist over the ownership and allocation of specific parcels of land.
Recent developments, including the withdrawal of validation letters and accusations among stakeholders, have further complicated the situation.
Namiwa called for immediate intervention from authorities, urging the District Commissioner and Traditional Authority Tsabango to convene the district conflict management committee to address the escalating tensions.
Additionally, he demanded accountability from the Inspector General of Police regarding the shooting incident at Area 44 and urged the Malawi Human Rights Commission to conduct a public land audit.
Amidst legal proceedings, a court ruling regarding Alimaunde plots has added to the complexity of the dispute.
While some plots have been attributed to specific entities, questions remain regarding the ownership of others, fueling tensions and uncertainty among residents.
As the dispute unfolds, the fate of Area 44 residents hangs in the balance, highlighting broader issues of land governance, transparency, and accountability in Malawi.
Efforts to resolve the dispute must prioritize the rights and well-being of the affected community while upholding the rule of law and equitable access to land resources.
Source: Malawi24
