From Malawi, CEOAFRICA.com gathered that President Joyce Banda has urged District Commissioners to mediate in chieftaincy wrangles among royal family members that continue to grow across the country.

President Banda disclosed this at Namadidi Trading Centre ground in Zomba during the official elevation of Chief Mlumbe to Senior Chief.

The president said it has been her wish to promote several chiefs in the country but misunderstandings on who should takeover after the other has been a big challenge to her office.

“I would wish to promote several chiefs but my hands are tied as others got injunctions from the court restraining their relative to be installed chief.

“May I ask DCs to mediate these wrangles so that we can proceed to install chiefs. For every development to be done properly, chiefs are very vital,” she said.

At the same occasion, the Minister of Local Government, Rachael Mazombwe Zulu commended Her Excellency for gracing the occasion, saying she could have delegated anyone to represent her but looking at the importance of chiefs, the president thought it wise to preside over the function herself.

Zulu said it is the wish of President Banda to promote any chief a long as they prove their worth in terms of fostering development in their areas.

“By promoting chiefs, it means that they can also be motivated in one way or the other. This signifies how serious our first citizen cares about chiefs.

“May I request chiefs in the country to work and support government. This administration will not allow chiefs to misbehave.” Zulu said.

A representative of the Royal family, retired Brigadier General Cosgroove Mituka described the Mlumbe chieftaincy as one of the biggest as it looks for almost half of the people of Zomba district.

He said the Mlumbe family welcomed the elevation of the senior chief with hope that the President has trust in the newly crowned chief.

Chief Mlumbe, whose real name is Said Kamphedo was promoted to senior chief recently by President Joyce Banda.