Emperor Saint Mussauwa Vincent Wandale has hit back at government’s ban on the creation of kingdoms in Malawi, demanding a referendum to let Malawians decide how they want to be governed.
In a response dated September 8, 2026, Wandale described the directive from the Secretary for Local Government as unlawful and undemocratic, arguing that Malawians should have the freedom to determine their preferred system of governance.
Wandale said kingship existed in Malawi before the establishment of the Republic of Malawi and argued that indigenous families have the right to establish kingships on their land without what he described as foreign interference.
He described the government’s position that kingship does not exist in Malawi as “unlawful and ultra vires”, arguing that people should be free to decide whether to belong to a republic or a kingship.
“Only a referendum can resolve the governance system dilemma,” Wandale said.
He also disputed the legal status of the Republic of Malawi, claiming that the country ceased to exist as a lawful de jure nation in 1999 following findings he attributed to a presidential commission of inquiry on land policy reform.
According to Wandale, the commission found that Malawi’s land laws were ultra vires and that the territory claimed by the Republic of Malawi had been obtained through fraud from indigenous people.
Wandale said his office had proposed a referendum on the reunion of people from Malawi’s 28 districts under a federation.
He claimed that his office subsequently announced the establishment of the Federal Republic of the United States of Malawi, which he said began existing on September 1, 2025.
Wandale further claimed that the entity had been proclaimed a self-governing dominion of the African Traditionalist Monarchy and Kingdom of the Worldwide Holy Mbamirian Empire, and identified himself as its emperor and supreme ruler.
He challenged those who oppose the proclaimed federation, including the Secretary for Local Government, to either call for a referendum or take their grievances to a competent court or other forum for resolution.
Wandale also called for a more decentralised governance system in which each district would have greater independence and freedom to establish its own constitution and laws.
He argued that Malawi’s cultural diversity and differences in economic resources among districts supported a federal arrangement.
He called on traditional leaders to hold discussions with their communities on the proposed federal system and the possible establishment of a Senate and other institutions under the arrangement he advocates.
Wandale’s position is that the dispute over the creation of kingdoms should be resolved through a referendum or the courts.
