Paramount Chief Kalonga Gawa Undi of the Chewa people has with immediate effect, banned the growing of Virginia tobacco in all Chewa chiefdoms across Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia, and other parts of the world.
The directive was announced on Friday, 17th July 2026, during a meeting held at Chanje Palace between Comaco staff and local headmen.
The Comaco delegation was sent by Paramount Chief Kalonga Gawa Undi to explain resolutions made by chiefs, two to three months ago in Mkaika, Katete District.
According to a statement made available to Breeze FM News, Chief Chanje disclosed that the decision was driven by growing concerns over forest destruction and climate change.
The traditional leader said the measures are necessary to protect forests, improve community health, and address the effects of climate change in all Chewa land