By Suleman Chitera

President Peter Mutharika has officially directed that Paul Kagame Road in Lilongwe be renamed John Chilembwe Road, in a landmark decision aimed at immortalising one of Malawi’s greatest freedom icons.

The directive, announced by Chief Secretary to the Government Justin Saidi, was issued under powers conferred on the President by Section 89(1)(c) of the Constitution of the Republic of Malawi, read together with Section 5 of the Regional and District Boundaries and Place Names Act (Cap. 18:04). The move forms part of the conferral of national honours on John Chilembwe, a towering figure in Malawi’s liberation history.

According to the Chief Secretary, the honour takes effect from 12 January 2026 and will be duly published in the Government Gazette, giving the change full official and legal standing across all state institutions and public records.

In line with the President’s directive, the Ministry of Transport and Public Infrastructure has been instructed to complete the installation of new road signage reflecting the new name by 16 January 2026, ensuring a smooth and timely transition.

The renaming of the prominent Lilongwe roadway is widely seen as a powerful statement of national pride and historical consciousness. By inscribing John Chilembwe’s name onto the capital city’s landscape, the government has reaffirmed its commitment to honouring Malawian heroes whose courage and sacrifice laid the foundation for freedom, dignity, and self-determination.

As Malawi continues to reflect on its past while shaping its future, John Chilembwe Road now stands not only as a route through the capital, but as a living reminder of resilience, patriotism, and the enduring spirit of liberation.