Rwandan refugees in Malawi have accused authorities of targeting and victimising refugees and asylum as the Rwandan government moves to repatriate refugees and asylum seekers wanted for various offences in the country.

Voice of America reports that the Rwandan refugees issued a statement after the deportation of a Rwandan genocide suspect, Vincent Ngendahimana Kanyoni, on Monday.

The refugees feared deportation and losing the right to remain in the country.

A refugee group named Concerned Rwandan Refugees said in a statement that Malawi should be wary of the requests from the Rwandan government. 

According to the group, Rwanda may be using “the genocide card” to target political opponents in exile.

Their worry came as Malawi said last week that Rwanda had asked for assistance finding 55 alleged warlords hiding in Malawi.

The Rwandan refugees urged officials to confirm the allegations against them before taking action.

A Malawi’s Ministry of Homeland Security spokesman, Patrick Botha, said the country’s actions are within its sovereign laws.

Malawi began revoking the citizenship of refugees and asylum seekers who, according to officials, were given their status illegally last month.

The citizenship of 400 people, mostly from Burundi and Rwanda, was revoked, and deportation preparations are underway.