Local Government Minister Dr Ben Malunga Phiri has told traditional leaders to make peace and unity their priority, and warned that his ministry will not protect any chief accused of crimes such as sexual violence against children.
Speaking at the headquarters of Traditional Authority Masula in Lilongwe, Phiri was addressing guests at the installation of Misheck Levson Masula as T.A Masula the Fourth.
Promoting peace and unity, he said, is crucial to national development.
The minister’s warning was blunt. His ministry, he made clear, “shall not shield” any traditional leader involved in criminal activity, and sexual violence against children was singled out as an example.
The traditional part of the ceremony was led by Inkosi ya Makhosi Gomani V, who said chieftaincy wrangles among his people would decline.
Measures are now in place to ensure traditional succession procedures are strictly followed, he said, a move he believes will reduce disputes over the throne.
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