Govt manages to control influx of refugees from Burundi

Northern Province Minister Freedom Sikazwe

Northern Province Minister Freedom Sikazwe says government has managed to control the influx of asylum seekers from Burundi entering Zambia through Mpulungu Harbor on Lake Tanganyika.

In July, more than 150 Burundian asylum seekers who entered into the country through Mpulungu Harbor were relocated to Maheba refugee camp in Western Province after fleeing conflict in Burundi.

Mr. Sikazwe has disclosed to QFM News in an interview that government has been so cautious and strengthened boarder patrols.

Mr. Sikazwe says government had intensified patrols and also ensured that all asylum seekers were screened to establish the status of all who had entered the country.

Civil unrest erupted in Burundi after the country’s President Pierre Nkurunziza’s bid for a third term in office, forcing thousands of people to flee the country.