Minister Ben Phiri to chiefs: sex with minors means ‘full force of the law’
A Malawian government minister has issued a stark warning to traditional leaders across the country, declaring that chiefs found engaging in sexual relationships with underage girls will face the full force of the law — with no protection from the State.
Dr Ben Malunga Phiri, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, delivered the blunt message on Thursday in Mangochi during a ceremony elevating Group Village Headmen Chiponde and Kapichi to the rank of Sub Traditional Authorities.
“Government will not tolerate chiefs having sexual relationships with minors,” Phiri told the gathering, making clear that traditional leaders found guilty of such offences would not be shielded by their status or position within the community.
The minister went on to allege that some chiefs had been abusing their power and influence to coerce young girls into sexual relationships — a practice he branded deeply unfortunate and unacceptable in modern Malawi.
Phiri stressed that existing legislation, including the Chiefs Act, leaves no ambiguity on the matter, warning that any traditional leader found on the wrong side of the law would face serious consequences regardless of their standing in the community.
He also used the platform to highlight the government’s push to keep girls in the classroom, pointing to the introduction of free primary and secondary education as a deliberate strategy to protect young girls’ futures and reduce their vulnerability to exploitation.
Turning to a separate concern, Phiri expressed frustration over the growing number of chieftaincy disputes being dragged through the courts, warning that the ongoing wrangles were actively hindering development in affected communities.
Senior Chief Chowe, who was present at the ceremony, backed the minister’s tough stance, insisting that traditional leaders have a responsibility to set an example for the communities they serve.
“It is really very sad to note that some of the chiefs are involved in sexual relationships with minors,” Chowe said, adding his voice to growing concern within traditional leadership circles over the conduct of some of his peers.
Chowe went further, personally urging all chiefs under his jurisdiction to comply fully with the law and avoid any sexual activity involving girls under the age of 18 — a direct appeal that underscored the seriousness with which senior traditional leaders are now treating the issue.
