Mozambicans who have fled to Malawi in desperation of security are being denied basic health and nutrition necessities because of an identification hold up with Malawi’s government. According to an IRIN report, the Malawian government and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) are working through disagreements to establish the official status of the refugees who are currently being considered repatriating Malawians.

“We feel these are people who should be provided with shelter, clean water, medication and food. But for us to render assistance, we have to have a meeting of minds with the government,” George Kuchio, UNHCR Malawi country representative, told IRIN.

In October of last year, after the government invaded their base, Mozambique opposition group — former and re-emerging rebels — Renamo announced that they would dishonor a 1992 peace deal. Absence of conflicts throughout the country, according to a Reuters report, would be left up to the ruling Frelimo political party. Scattered Renamo attacks, which resulted in civilian deaths, followed the peace deal announcement and forced an estimated 2,000 Mozambicans to leave.

Just over a quarter of them trekked to Malawi in hopes of finding a place to rest in Mwanza District’s Kasipe 2 Village until the Mozambican elections — which will take place in October of 2014 — pan out.

IRIN further reported that the assistance which Mozambicans are currently relying on comes from villagers, who have managed to set up a committee for them.

“We are just waiting for government to come in to help these people. They have spent over 40 days in Malawi, and a lack of action on the part of the government is forcing some people to leave, and we do not know where they are going,” William Mitiwe, the village leader said in the report.

“There is nothing we can do but to settle them in the way we can manage.”