By Jones Gadama
Minister of Local Government Hon Dr Ben Phiri has won praise from traditional leaders in Chikwawa after reaching a consensus with chiefs to stop the spread of fake news alleging that men’s private parts were going missing in the district.
Speaking during a high-level engagement with chiefs in Chikwawa on Wednesday, Dr Phiri said the discussions had yielded a firm agreement that no chief, community leader, or resident would spread or entertain the false claims. He said the meeting marked a turning point in restoring calm and rebuilding trust between government and local communities.
The minister commended the chiefs for their openness and cooperation, noting that their willingness to work with government demonstrated the strength of Malawi’s traditional leadership system. “What we have seen here in Chikwawa is the power of dialogue. The chiefs have shown great leadership by agreeing to take charge in their areas and protect their people from dangerous rumours,” Phiri said.
Local chiefs in turn praised Dr Phiri for coming down to the grassroots to engage them directly. They said the minister’s approach of listening and involving traditional leaders had strengthened the relationship between government and communities. “We appreciate that Hon Phiri has not ignored us. He has come, sat with us, and given us a platform to speak. This is how government should work,” one senior chief said on behalf of the group.
The pledge comes after weeks of panic in Chikwawa and Nsanje, where the false rumours about missing male private parts spread rapidly on social media and through word of mouth. The misinformation led to mob violence in which at least seven people were killed after being accused of involvement in the alleged incidents. Police have condemned the attacks and arrested several suspects in connection with the murders.
Dr Phiri stressed that spreading such fake news was not only criminal but also destructive to community harmony. He urged chiefs to use their authority to sensitize communities and report anyone inciting violence or spreading falsehoods to the police.
The minister said government would continue working closely with traditional leaders across the country to counter misinformation, promote peace, and protect lives.
