The dynamics of institutional relationships in assistance provision to
1.2 million Mozambican refugees in Malawi are examined. Three phases
are identified. An innovative model of assistance delivery, integratin
g refugees and hosts in a development-orientated program, was establis
hed in the early phases. This avoided the ''parallel'' structures of o
rthodox relief operations. Within the context of its political economy
, the Government of Malawi successfully mediated competing interests.
Incrementally, the host government lost autonomy; this is explained in
terms of pressures to internationalize and diversify the program and
the adoption of a conventional relief model focusing only on refugees
and emergency assistance. With extensive repatriation the program is w
inding down. The lessons learned are discussed.