President Nangolo Mbumba has applauded the government of Eswatini for accommodating Mozambican nationals as refugees, providing them with necessary assistance.

Dr. Mbumba conveyed the message to King Mswati III through his special envoy and Minister of Labour and Social Security, Phila Buthelezi.

According to the UN High Commission for Refugees, an estimated 1,500 Mozambican refugees sought asylum in neighbouring Eswatini after they fled post-election violence.

Eswatini's government housed them at its Malindza refugee reception centre and collaborated with development partners to provide humanitarian assistance.

President Mbumba commended the leadership of Eswatini for coming to the aid of Mozambicans and hopes the progress towards normalcy would lead to a safe return to their homeland.

"I would like to thank Eswatini as a country and within SADC that had taken on the responsibility to help our fellow citizens of Mozambique during the recent times; after elections, they went to courts, still they did not appreciate that thing. But the fact that you have to accommodate them, treat them well, and feed them on our behalf as SADC members, we have to thank you, and we are hoping that within this reasonable time, now that the thing seems to be calming down, they will be able to go back to their home."