By Vincent Gunde
The Ministry of Gender, Children, Disability, and Social Welfare has publicly disowned a fraudulent press release circulating on social media that falsely claimed the government was taking steps to promote LGBTQI+ rights.
In an official statement dated November 7, 2025, the ministry urged the public to disregard the document, which it described as “fake and malicious.”
“The Ministry has noted with concern a press release… purportedly to have been issued by the Ministry informing the public that government is taking significant steps to promote and protect the rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Intersex (LGBTI) community,” the statement read. “The Ministry has not issued such a press release.”
The fake release suggested the government was moving to repeal or amend laws that criminalize same-sex relationships. The ministry explicitly denied these claims, asserting that no such legal reforms are being considered.
Signed by Principal Secretary for Administration Oliver Kumbambe, the statement condemned the individuals responsible for creating and spreading the disinformation.
“The Ministry condemns in the strongest terms ill-minded people who spread fake information for selfish and malevolent activities,” the statement read. It further warned that the government would pursue legal action against those found to be responsible for the hoax.
The incident highlights the ongoing tensions and legal landscape surrounding LGBTQI+ rights in Malawi, where same-sex relationships remain criminalized.
