Government has warned individuals and groups against creating or recognising kingdoms and kingships in the country, saying such arrangements have no basis in Malawian law.
The warning has come from the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development following what government describes as ongoing public discussions, petitions and press statements on the purported establishment or recognition of kingdoms and kings in Malawi.
In a statement issued on Monday, the ministry stressed that Malawi is a unitary sovereign state under the Constitution and does not provide for the existence of independent kingdoms or territories within the country.
Government has also clarified the legal position of traditional leaders.
According to the ministry, traditional leaders are recognised under the Chiefs Act, Cap. 22:03, which provides for their functions and powers.
However, the Act does not empower traditional leaders to establish or preside over independent kingdoms within Malawi.
“Traditional leaders are recognized as custodians of culture,” the ministry said, highlighting their role in customary law, cultural preservation and social development.
The ministry said Malawi’s laws neither provide for the creation of kingdoms by groups of people nor allow any individual to be conferred with the title of king in a manner that establishes a separate territorial authority.
It has therefore warned that any attempt to establish or recognise a kingdom or kingship within Malawi is unlawful.
Government has further urged members of the public to refrain from creating such titles and kingdoms, warning that the practice could threaten national unity.
The clarification comes amid growing debate over traditional leadership, cultural authority and claims of kingship in some parts of the country.
The ministry said the distinction is clear traditional leadership is recognised under Malawian law, but independent kingdoms and kingships are not.
The government has called on Malawians to respect the Constitution and other laws governing traditional leadership while continuing to recognise the important cultural role played by chiefs.
