- Time Period: Post-WW2
- Institution: July 1966
- Country: Malawi
The Order of the Lion of Malawi is the highest state order and the second-highest honor bestowed by the government of Malawi.
The Order was established by President Hastings Kamuzu Banda in 1967 and held the distinction of being the second-highest honor conferred by the government of the Republic of Malawi during Banda’s presidential tenure (1966-94). It comprised five classes along with a medal, recognizing individuals “For distinguished and outstanding services to the people of Malawi.”
Banda unveiled the inception of the order alongside several other new accolades in July 1966, concurrent with Malawi’s transition to a republic. This proclamation took place in Zomba, then the capital of Malawi.
Both Malawian civilians and military personnel, as well as foreign nationals, were eligible for consideration for the order. However, in 2008, following three years of review, the Malawian government opted to deactivate the Order of the Lion, though existing appointees retained the privilege of wearing the insignia corresponding to their grade.
Order of the Lion Design
The insignia of the Order of the Lion takes the form of a cross, showcasing a central medallion depicting the visage of a lion, encircled by a red banner bearing the Malawian motto, “Unity and Freedom.” This design is consistent across the medals of higher grades within the order, where the lion medallion is overlaid onto a green enameled cross.
The ribbon of the order is adorned in red, flanked by two golden stripes running along each side.
Recipients of the Grand Commander and Grand Officer distinctions also receive a badge, which incorporates the lion medallion set against stars. The Grand Commander’s badge features twelve rays extending between the points of a twelve-pointed star, while the Grand Officer’s badge displays a ten-pointed star with alternating lengths, set atop an inverted pentagon.
