Maulana suffers embarrassing demotion : Analysts fault Malawi President Mutharika for redeploying army chief

Malawi Defence Forces (MDF) Commander General Ignacious Maulana has been asked by President Peter Mutharika to take an embarrassing demotion but pushing him to head the security section of the National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA) until he attains the mandatory retirement age of 60 next year.

President Mutharika has given General Maulana an humiliating demotion
President Mutharika has given General Maulana an humiliating demotion

Muthalika fired Maulana and replaced his  his former deputy Griffin Supuni-Phiri.

Phiri will be deputised by Lieutenant General Clement Namangale (administration) and Lieutenant General Vincent Nundwe (operations).

A political commentator at the University of Malawi’s Chancellor College, Dr BonifaceDulani, described the redeployment of Maulana as a humiliating demotion.

“For me , there is no doubt that this is a demotion, you don’ move from being a commander (Malawi Defence Force) to be someone just focusing on security at NFRA,” Dulani commented in the flagship Malawi newspaper, Daily Times.

Dulani said Mutharika should have explained his decision for moving Maulana, saying  such appointments “cannot just be made anyhow”.

Dulani  also spoke on the need to reduce powers conferred on the country’s Head of State.

“You have the whole President who can make decision without explaining anything to the wider public as to why he has made that decision,” said Dulani.

He said President Mutharika should explain his decision to demote Maulana, saying citizens “need to know and also scrutinise whether we are convinced with his decision or not.”

Government spokesperson Patricia Kaliati palyed down Maulana’s firing, saying it is normal.

Dean of law at the University of Malawi’s Chancellor College Mwiza Nkhata  also agree that President has too much power which need trimming.

The civil society and opposition have also been calling to reduce concentration of power in the presidency, especially as it relates to the appointment and removal of heads of governance institutions and parastatals.

They want the country to  reduce the powers of the presidency to enhance the effectiveness of institutions such as Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC), the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (Mera) and National Audit Office.

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ismael c
ismael c
7 years ago

But the New Command of MDF onse are older than a Maulana. Supuni and Nanangale are already 59, Nundwe is over 60 hahahaha, tiona.

Mike CM
Mike CM
7 years ago

Sad that the whole Citizen #1 thought / advised that a professional like Maulana should head a section which befit a Police Sergeant. Although I agree that he is under no obligation to explain the reasons, Chambe and the group should wake up to realise that we are not in Stone Age, but in Digital or Information Age which is a building block for Globalisation. MDF as a respectable Govt Institution, no way can someone with all sane senses see nothing wrong with the Firing-and-Silence. Looking / Reading the comments since last weekend, (Yes Iam curious because I am a… Read more »

Caiphas Nyirenda
Caiphas Nyirenda
7 years ago

A lot of these do-called analysts have no idea how Governments work. Ask how many Chairmen of Joint Chiefs of Staff that Barack Obama changed? Kodi zitakhala kuti Maulana waphula ma scandal osayenera mumafuna APM achite kuima pa chulu nkumamuyalutsa. A Dulani ndi anzanu mumapanga democracy ya m’book. Maulana uyu anali horror. Kodi ku Chanco mumaphunzira za Security. Why do you want to comment on things you dont even know? Shame on you!!!

mjiba
mjiba
7 years ago

This is not a demotion, he has been considered at least he will get his daily bread for his kids and wife. He did not apply to be Army Commander, he has been fired the same way he came. Enjoy life ndiye maudindo akulu akulu amenewo sulimbapo munthu.

Chambe
Chambe
7 years ago

Why should the President explain for demoting Maulana (as you put it) as if he explained when he appointed him? There are a lot reasons of which some might be highly classified for the public to know. He must just thank God that at least his salary is intact with all benefits. What more does one need?

Good People
Good People
7 years ago

every thing happens with a purpose so there is no need to worry about. He was employed by the government and the same government has thought it wise to lay him off. The good thing he has been assigned to another government machinery. Every dog has its day. everyone will face thing in life.

kumakazi
7 years ago

This Army Commander had now welfare of soldiers and he was risky to national security. soldiers were becoming more frustrating as each day passed by. Nyasatimes dig deep on peace keeping allowances for soldiers who went to DRC. you will appreciate the move made by the president. do not just criticize without background information.

Khethesa
Khethesa
7 years ago

So embarassing and dangerous such that he may be tempted to take over govt

Stupid MPs
Stupid MPs
7 years ago

Humkiliating demotion? hahahahahaha news writers kukomeza nkhani hihihihihihihihihihihih ikome?Stupid

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