Historical Archive
Dzaleka
Time Capsule
A living archive documenting the transformation from political prison to refugee settlement
1964-1994
1994-2000
2000-Present
1964-1994
Origins:
Political Prison Era
The dark chapter of Dzaleka as a detention center during the presidency of Hastings Kamuzu Banda
Political Prison Facility
Dzaleka was specifically chosen as a political prison due to its colder climate, where prisoners were not accustomed to the weather and were denied basic comforts like blankets.
- Capacity: Up to 6,000 inmates
- Harsh conditions and forced labor
- Sisal fiber production for fabric industry
- Political dissidents and religious minorities
Jehovah's Witnesses Persecution
The facility became notorious for the imprisonment of Jehovah's Witnesses who refused to join the Malawi Congress Party.
- Over 3,000 male Witnesses imprisoned
- Women held in separate camps
- Forced labor and torture reported
- Children died from malnutrition
Historical Documents
Primary sources from 1976-1978
1976
State Department Cable
"In the Dzaleka detention camp near Dowa, north of Lilongwe, there are now over 3,000 male witnesses who have been incarcerated for a two-year period."Source: State Department Cable 1976-135342
1978
Africa Contemporary Record
"Grim conditions prevail at Dzaleka. A report smuggled from the camp in April 1976 said 70 people had died there—65 of them children."Source: Africa Contemporary Record, Annual Survey and Documents, 1978
1978
Jehovah's Witnesses Yearbook
"At the beginning of the service year, hundreds of our Malawi brothers were still in detention at Dzaleka, a camp in the north of the country, which had previously been used for political detainees."Source: 1978 Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses
1994-2000
Transition:
From Prison to Refugee Camp
The transformation following the end of Banda's regime and the establishment of refugee services
End of Banda Era
With the fall of Hastings Kamuzu Banda's regime in 1994, the political prison was closed and the facility was repurposed.
- Democratic transition in Malawi
- Closure of political detention facilities
- International pressure for reform
- UNHCR involvement begins
Refugee Camp Establishment
The facility was officially established as a refugee camp by the Government of Malawi and UNHCR in 1994.
- Initial capacity: 10,000-12,000 people
- Refugees from Great Lakes region
- Burundi, Rwanda, DRC conflicts
- Humanitarian infrastructure development
Early Refugee Period
Personal testimonies from 1995-1996
1995
Personal Testimony: Joseph Ndereyimana
"On 23rd December 1995, we were taken to the Dzaleka Refugee Centre, outside Dowa. We were feeling happy in the hope that we might meet up with people we knew, and even hear news of our families whom we had left behind in Kashusha."Source: "Walk this way: the journey of a Rwandan refugee" (1999)
1995
Camp Organization
"Dzaleka Centre was organised so that people of each nationality had their own accommodation. For example, there was a single men's dormitory for the Rwandans, one for the Zaireans, one for the Somalis and so on."Source: Personal testimony, Joseph Ndereyimana
1995
Initial Population
"At the outset, there were only about one hundred and fifty refugees in this well-equipped centre: families were accommodated in houses while there were dormitories for the singles."Source: "Walk this way: the journey of a Rwandan refugee" (1999)
The Name "Dzaleka"
Meaning and significance
The name Dzaleka comes from the Chichewa phrase "N'dzaleka," meaning "I will never do it again." This name carries profound significance, representing both the hope for a better future and the acknowledgment of past suffering.
"The name serves as a reminder of the transformation from a place of oppression to a place of refuge and hope."
2000-Present
Refugee Era:
Community Development
The evolution of Dzaleka into a vibrant, self-sustaining community despite ongoing challenges
Population Growth
From its initial capacity, Dzaleka now accommodates over 52,000 refugees and asylum seekers.
- Democratic Republic of Congo: 62%
- Burundi: 19%
- Rwanda: 7%
- Other nationalities: 12%
Community Development
Despite challenges, residents have created a vibrant community with businesses, schools, and cultural initiatives.
- Tumaini Festival (founded 2014)
- Refugee-led organizations
- Educational institutions
- Cultural preservation
Population Timeline
Growth over the years
150
1995
Initial refugees
5,000
2007
Before Luwani closure
8,800
2007
After Luwani closure
52,000+
Present
Current population
Cultural Achievements
Notable accomplishments and initiatives
Tumaini Festival
Founded by Congolese refugee Trésor Nzengu Mpauni, this annual arts and cultural event has reached an estimated 40 million people worldwide.
Established: 2014Community Organizations
Refugee-led initiatives including There is Hope, RELON Malawi, and various cultural groups have transformed the camp's narrative.
Ongoing DevelopmentCurrent Challenges
Ongoing issues facing the community
Overcrowding
The camp now houses over four times its original intended capacity, leading to resource strain and infrastructure challenges.
Human Trafficking
In 2022, UNODC and Malawian Police uncovered widespread exploitation networks operating within the camp, leading to ongoing efforts to dismantle these operations.
Contemporary Documentation
Recent sources from 2007-2023
2007
State Department Cable
"The Dzaleka camp covers 201 hectares and UNHCR estimates it can hold a maximum of 9300 people. Once all refugees are relocated it will have a population approaching 8800 people and continues to get a steady stream of new refugees from the Congo."Source: State Department Cable 07LILONGWE803
2023
Academic Research
"This study inquired into the nature of identity among refugee youth living at Dzaleka Refugee Camp in Malawi. Aged between eighteen and twenty-four, the sample comprised of twenty-two female and thirty-eight male participants, from Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Somalia."Source: Refugee Youth Identity Formation at Dzaleka Refugee Camp (2023)
2025
Food Security Study
"Food security and dietary diversity surveys were conducted with 300 women living in Dzaleka camp, Malawi. Ninety-one percent of women had severe food insecurity and women only ate on average 2–3 food groups the previous day."Source: Food insecurity and dietary diversity among women living in Dzaleka refugee camp, Malawi (2025)
Contribute
Help Us Preserve
Dzaleka's History
We invite the community to curate and preserve our Dzaleka's past for the future.
This is a People's History
The Time Capsule is not a formal history of Dzaleka, nor is it intended to be a collection point for formal Dzaleka records or documents, research papers and organisational or administrative material. This is a community-driven archive focused on personal stories, cultural memories, and the lived experiences of Dzaleka's residents.
Important Notice
Please be aware that the Time Capsule site may contain a record of photographs, videos, voices, and names of deceased persons. We handle all historical materials with respect and sensitivity, honoring the dignity of all individuals represented in our archive.
We are looking for historical or contemporary material that tells the people's history of Dzaleka
Examples include:
- Dzaleka buildings, architecture and grounds
- Dzaleka events and celebrations
- Communities and cultural groups
- Personal histories and testimonies
- Notable visits and delegations
- Cultural celebrations and festivals
What we can share:
- Images – photo, map, flyer, object, newspaper clipping
- Video – advertisement, recollection, documentary
- Audio – oral history, interviews, music
- Documents – article, correspondence, newsletter
Share Resources
Documents, articles, and historical records
Share Photos
Historical images and visual documentation
Refugee Stories
Personal testimonies and oral histories
Support Our Work
Help preserve Dzaleka's history
Important Notes:
- Please note we are unable to accept hard-copy material
- Contact bakari@mail.dzaleka.com if you need help uploading
- All contributions will be reviewed and archived
Future Vision:
As the site builds, we can all enjoy the opportunity to reminisce and pay tribute to all that has brought Dzaleka to this point. It is envisaged that on completion of the project, this material will be archived, potentially as a resource for future researchers.
We encourage you to visit regularly and keep an eye on our social media to view the most recent additions to the collection, and share your own moments.
"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."
- George Santayana
This archive serves as a reminder of both the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of preserving historical truth.