Appointment of Phiri as Malawi army deputy general draw soldiers fire
There is discontentment in the barracks as soldiers are not pleased with the recent appointment by President Lazarus Chakwera of Major General Paul Phiri as Deputy Commander of the Malawi Defence Forces (MDF), Nyasa Times has established.
According to a leaked WhatsApp conversation that Nyasa Times has seen, Phiri’s appointment is ‘very’ irregular and does not reflect the principals of change that the men in uniform were expecting in the new Tonse government.
Phiri does not have the requisite qualifications including MSCE for the post and he was not the most senior officer to assume the Deputy Commander title according to the hierarchy at the military.
Soldiers who spoke to Nyasa Times said they were not happy with Phiri’s appointment because of what he described as bad leadership principals.
According to military officials, the President was supposed to consult with the defense council but was influenced by tribal consideration before making the appointment.
“Many soldiers are disappointed that the President has been driven to appoint Phiri by a tribal cabal. There is a group that want to advance their political agenda and they are misleading the President,” one MDF source from Kamuzu Barracks said.
Phiri was previously linked to conconting rumours that General Vincent Nundwe was planning to topple the previous Peter mutharika administration that led into Nundwe’s dismissal.
Many soldiers are also not happy with Phiri because Oof “oppressive attitudes” where it is alleged he has been delaying the professional development of fellow officers.
According to other sources, Phiri at one point organised and administered examinations for senior army officers called PROMEX, but out of all the 56 officers that participated, no one passed.
“He set the examinations, typeset the papers, adiministered the examinations himself, marked the papers alone and all the 56 officers that took the examinations failed, what type of person is this? ,” said the source.
The soldiers have since written President Chakwera expressing their disappointment with the appointment of Phiri as the deputy army commander.
A letter that has been circulating on the social media purportedly authored by some soldiers among other things says that the recent appointment of Phiri as deputy commander of the defense forces is a ‘grave breach’ of the trust that the soldiers had with the current administration.
According to the concerned soldiers, Phiri is a ‘beast heartless, cruel, anti-social, selfish, barbaric and a nuisance to soldiers.”
The letter goes to allege that Phiri is an opportunist and was part of a larger conspiracy by some lieutenants who are trying to advance their hidden agendas.
“His appointment will only bring unnecessary fear panic confusion and division among soldiers,” reads part of the letter.
The letter goes to warn Chakwera that the people that recommended the appointment of Phiri are slowly creating the President’s downfall in the 2025 presidential elections.
“If we were Chakwera and his lieutenants we could have recalled how soldiers rallied you and HRDC when in opposition from 2019 to 2020in the streets of the country just to see things change while performing our constitutional mandate,” reads the letter.
On December 23,2020, President Chakwera appointed Phiri as deputy MDF commander in accordance with the powers conferred on him under section 191 (2) of the Malawi Defence Act and Section 161 of the Constitution.
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Atumbuka ndinu agalu otheratu,,, mulira nafe simunati. Bwanji mumafuna zabwino zonse zikhale zanu??? Mpake kamuzu anakuthamangisani
Idi Amin lookalike! Must be a no nonsense guy this one ; why should all junior soldiers getting worried?
People should focus on their job descriptions, not on who got which post. It will surely be your turn in a few years time.
In any capacity just be grateful that you are SERVING!! Do more and exceed expectations!!!
If this letter was written by soldiers from Malawi army then we have a problem …a big problem! However my instinct tells me….its the work of disgruntled Cadets!
My advice to the Cadets is simple and straightforward…your days are long gone! Wake up and smell the coffee!
Mumafuna asankhe wakuti? Tatsekani ma gate mmemene mukufunilamo mupite ku court martial muyaluke! Dr Laz was chosen by more than 58% of the vote and we will not allow a clique of disgruntled people to topple him..the revolution started after the stolen vote in 2019 is alive and kicking…so do not be deceived Dr Laz and Dr SKC are not alone. They dont shout at people at political podiums like APM used to but they have the mandate to rule and no faction in the army or anywhere will derail the Tonse alliance government. We are ready to defend our majority vote…sizija za minority vote a DPP zija izi!! Ife ndi majority and we are ruling opanda mantha.
Nanunso mungoti cadet zirizonse. Ndi mmene muthere. I thought mwawachotsa ma cadet wo. Mantha awa
This guy is just a big joke of all time in presidency
Want to ask the president kuti . End of 2021 tikufuna tizaone report ya anthu amene mwawaioa pa udindo ,chiwelengero chawo ndi ma boma omwe akuchokera . Tikazaona kuti pakati ndi 60 percent kapena 50 ,tizadziwa kuti bwana mukukokera a kuchigawo chomwe mukuchokera.
Inenso ndinakuvoterani koma when things goes wrong tiziyankhula sitimanyengelera
You thought chewa people can be trusted?????
You can say that again my friend. I have never trusted any and will never do it over my dead body.
Don’t be very tribal oriented please, the problem will start with you. Every person has his own personality and preferences.
Chakwera wants to fill all key positions with chewas. The move is already exposed and backfiring.
The Army under Nundwe has detereorated in terms of discipline and professionalism. Not long ago the Army was marching shoulder to shoulder with opposition suppoerters to the gates of their Commander in Chief then Mutharika. Now Chakwera is your Commander in Chief the march has started on social media. Discipline is gone no longer a professional Army. Shameful conduct. Phiri has been promoted by the person whom you were marching for. Live with it and salute him.
Yemweyo Phiri yo ali heartless yoo kuti wawa. You’re the undisciplined and weakest soldiers in the world check on fobers list. Mumangodziwa kuteteza ma demo basi. Ngati zikukuwawani Tengani dziko ngati ku Zimbabwe osamangotokota ma social media. Soldering act akaona zawawa. You’re are not smart and professional chi uniform mumangovala pali ponse. Ku South timaona asilikali pokhapokha boma lanena kuti achite zacorona koma sachita behave ngati inu chi uniform zi ma boots yambakata ntauni kuchititsa manyazi. Chitata kumangoti pali ponse. Timaziona ku ma Air show kokha. Akhale phiri yomweyo ndi zimene mumafuna popanga ma demo ngati mwakwiya tengani dziko likhale mmanja mwanu. A Chakwera musasithe.
opanda mzeru iwe caddet owononga iwe
komanso odzikonda ,osafunira dziko lako dzabwinoi kuteroku ukulakalaka utawona nkhondo ku malawi kuno kuiwala kuti tili ndi abale okalamba
news concocted by obviously cadets…….how was someone without qualifications promoted to be a major general by the army and also entrusted with preparing exams for fellow well educated military officers?
Please do not bring our professional army into your dirty politics, was it Chakwera who promoted Phiri to be a major general? And if he was not well qualified how was he promoted to be a major general in the first place?
Does Chakwera know all chewas working at the army? Or the leadership at the army did recommend Phiri’s name to Chakwera……please days of regionalism are over we buried those days with DPP get over it.
I had exactly the same question! How can someone without MSCE prepare, administer and mark exams for highly educated officers? Hahaha.
I concur.
Palibe nkhani apa. The President as Commander-in-chief has made the appointment after consultations. Live with it!!
Nonsense! This is what we protested against so what? Time will tell better work on this strategically bwana president
Not all decisions made by manager will be liked by all it’s normal in a company. They will eventually come to channel.
It has pleased the appointing authority to choose Phiri as Deputy Commander, whether one likes him or not, it is not up to you to choose, if the claimed circulating letter is true then we must be worried with the behaviour of our soldiers. A soldier does not ask the question “why” or “why not” when given orders by the superiors you just obey and ask “when” and “where” msilikali safunsa chifukwa anthuni!
You are VERY stupid and DULL… So if a commanding officer tells his soldiers to shoot unarmed civilians…they should comply !!… according to your STUPID argument… ALWAYS think and analyse your argument…it will help you alot in your miserable LIFE
not as stupid as you are, useless cadet, mudya manyi!!!! by the way how did the unqualified person climb the ladder to a major general? uchitsiru macadet udzakuphani, this is not the right way soldiers of discipline behave, cadet puppet!
and for your own info. soldiers never go by common sense or reason, they go by orders you dull and good for nothing cadet
You too leave prophet Bushiri and his church alone. What he does is for his congregants and church and we don’t question him.
Once upon a time
May God rescue our nation. I dont want this thing again. Lets progress forward . As for the appointment we have nothing that we can do. Mr phiri, if u are a bad officer , u have time to change and do better . All of us have fallen down before . Being chewa should not be a restriction to attain promotion of this kind.
Munrhu akamayandikira kufa mumaymba ndi mkhutu kugontha, adatero akulu. Mkulu uyu wotchedwa Lazarus Chakwera adzatha ngati m’mene anathera Mugabe, ndipo dzikoli lidzasinthanso. Anthu ayambano kuimvera chisoni DPP zinthu zomwe sizinayenera kutero konse. Asisyeni adzaona nthawi ikakwana. Pano Mutharika sakukhulupirira kuti a Malawi adamukana.
uuuummmm nanuso mtiuza chani, zomwezi basi mpakana kutikumbusaso DPP , are u serious?
Dr Chakwera is here for two terms or 10 years ruling Malawi. That’s according to Prophet Liabunya’s prophesy.
Dr Chakwera will finish 2025 then get elected again for 2nd term until 2030 when he will support Dr Chilima to be Malawi’s President.
Kuponda apongozi pamatako.
hahahahaha, mwambi walero…..chakazi chisanathe
I think the well educated pipo are in central region only especially chewas as APM did during his term by choosing Thyolo boys. So this chakwera has 4gotten hw he climbed this tree once soldiers wil take our radders he will cry in descending moment. Am not a politician.
Mukaona munthu akudedwa mudziwe KUTI atotha ntchito 🇲🇼
The problem is regionalism, why is that munthu wapakati akasankhidwa ikumakhala nkhani koma wakumpoto ayi?same with time ya DPP kuyankha wakumwela nkhani koma wakumpoto bobo chimakhala chili chani?
So u are trying to pick a tight about North on matters that directly don’t concern them? U are comparing North that hasn’t ruled a country and u seem to suggest they are favoured right???how does North get dragged on fight between south and center?
It has been war between the Chewa and Tumbuka, now it is time for the South and the Centre. Okushosha yolakwika.
Isn’t it wise addressing the president directly using proper channels rather than being all over on social media?Discipline isn’t only professional but speaks a lot what our community stands for.Am scared folks to me it looks like our values as Malawians are degenerating.
Chakwera is commander in chief, obey your boss crying soldiers,
Though am lacking knowledge on defence protocols but when I go through so called letter from soldiers it is clear to me that this is Cadets letter.
Cadets claim to be the system so no wonder the same system is at play. Cadets are frustrated that their system is being cracked to the core hence start making noise.
Cadets will stop at nothing to criticize Chakweras administration coz they are the one to loose.
4yrs plus Cadets will keep crying on what Chakwera and Chilima will do to clear the rumble, just ask Namiwa guy.
Mr chakwera verani kulira kwa asilikali chifukwa mawa osati muzati sanakuuzeni ndatha ndine Mr ibu
But how come that somebody whom you claim does not even have MSCE can set exams, get them marked and nobody passed? Nyasatimes please learn to balance your reporting otherwise you have become too partisan nowadays.
Not strange Bendulo has been given a position of director yet has no papers yet civil servants are asked to produce a degree or masters to be directors in government. This government has no respect for education
I think it’s high time some of the leakers and undisciplined letter writers be court martialled. Our Army is slowly becoming a gossip girls episode. Every time these so called soldiers that fight zero wars except beat up civilians, are always full of complaints.Discipline Discipline Discipline should always come first in military service. Something is very wrong.
Reads more like jealousy from other aspirants.
Chakwera and his open nepotism. One handle he is facing is that most people from central region are not educated otherwise he would have filled all key positions with these nyau guys. I know Phiri, he has no qualification but uses juju
Frustrated cadet kakolope Nyanja
I usually do not mince words whenever I see something is wrong. For sometime, we have noted with dismay and disappointment in the manner some positions are being filled. Whatever criteria is followed in all those appointments, that is the prerogative of the incumbent appointee for when it comes to containing the backlash, it is him/her who will experience the blunt. In most cases it is wrong to mess up or pock fingers in military institutions/affairs mostly when you’re ignorant. The reason being that those human beings have easy access to weapons and they too take sides although in their profession they are not supposed to show their hidden colours. History should give us good lessons whereby we could improve or destroy our reputation. During operation bwezani, the man in command then was so adamant and in denial whenever he was told that MYP was over armed unnecessarily. He did that because he was toeing the party line (unfortunately there was only one political party); his reasoning was not like that of a professional person. Consequently, the man and his second in command were given marching orders by the very same soldiers whose outcry is being undermined and not listened to to day. What if they resort to pursuing the same method of ousting that which is at the top, and mind you, this time round they might decide to completely bring about a clean sweep of the system? Politicians should be very mindful in the manner they handle military matters. As earlier stated, these soldiers in any case have the right to choose, hence their being allowed to participate in General Elections. If politicians introduce divisions in the barracks, are soldiers not going to fight amongst themselves, the fight eventually spilling outside the barracks? Mind you, this won’t be a fist of baton fight but a fight using weapons. What could stop that from happening when the military is being politicised intentionally? People say “Don’t play with combustible items close to a fire” chances are that if fire 🔥 is set up, it will devastate and consume innocent people on its way. The appointee needs to have a rethink on the points raised by those disgruntled soldiers. Catch words are “They assisted in putting you in that office, they can as well unseat you mercilessly” – fair warning this, i guess!!
Who is politicizing what here? I don’t see any politics here other than soldiers who are complaining if at all they are really soldiers they would have channeled their grievances using laid down procedures. It is a gross indiscipline for a person who swear by oath to express in such a way even if they have genuine complaints. Just imagine calling your superior officer such names or descriptions in public domain is that right?? What did these soldiers do when Nundwe was replaced by Namathanga? Why can’t you let Chakwera exercise his prerogatives? Moreover it is through the military council that the president appoints the deputy. It’s means the council recommended his name. Leave the military alone don’t advance your personal agendas to divide the army. Our army is the most disciplined military institution. Someone wants to bring confusion.
At the end l suspected, and true , that someone would mention and involve Tumbuka in this. Is there a Tumbuka promoted here.
I don’t know Phiri, but growing in Military, I knew some CO or 2/ic s who were very cruel that soldiers could not want them to be bosses. E.g. soldiers could be running just after seeing CO for fear of unnecessary reprisals.
Listen to the people’s voices
Chakwera is an idiot!
pa msana pako iwe!
Soldiers did not really behind chakwera,they were doing what they were told to do and they got paid.secondly if officers failed the test it’s not the problem of the examiner but theirs.they did not prepare study instead just wasted time on the mess drinking I guess.Soldiers can not pen their commander in chief.They have a process so the letter in question was written by a cadet who may be in the force and Must be dismissed immediately because he has to remember the oath.
The chicken is coming home to roost
Mr President,
You are digging yourself a pit. All these commotions are caused by your tribalistic approach to these appointments. You have had many opportunities to learn that Malawians are not happy with your tribal appointments but you are ignoring the signs and continuing with your tribalism.
Look, one of the reasons Malawi got rid of the previous governments is this very same conduct. As a matter of fact, you were in the frontline criticising DPP of this very same conduct. Now that you are the president, your true colours are starting to show.
Malawians are not idiots. Malawians are tired of politicians who rule this country on tribal lines. Malawians are looking for inclusiveness of all. For many years politicians have divided and ruled us to satisfy their selfish ambitions. We are sick to the core of this nepotism and tribalism.
Mr President, can’t you stop and wonder why so many of your appointments attract criticism of which it’s all of the same nature = Tribalism!
How dare you take Malawians for fools like this. I voted for you based on your promises of inclusiveness and unity, but all that was a lie just to get you to the palace. How can you be doing this considering the horrible history of how Malawians suffered under MCP on these very same tribal issues. How dare you!
kodi mumafuna asankhe mtumbuka kapena? akasankhidwa northerner ndiye kumakhala zii, uwuwu ndi uchitsiru otheratu mChewanso ndi mMalawi, timadana ndi zopusa!
Asilikali! Mudzachiite monga momwe anachitila ku Etheopia.
Kwa anzanu ozitsata akhoza kukubenthulilani ngati mutawafunsa.
Mesa mumati Ali ndi PhD kodi
Za achewa izi asiyeni adyelere timadziwa za geli sakonda koma kugulitsa Malo basi
masiku ano zikuphweka anthu akuphweysera pa chakwera kaamba kale lija anthu akangopanga manon’gonon’go kulephera kumulembera Pitala kuopa kusowa olo kuphedwa ndi avina bangwe 1
ntopwa1 atatumifwa ndi nomani chisale in turn ma 10 million mmanja .ndikunama?????
ok ati Phiri ndi wa MSCe and oppresing fellow carrier development. ambili mu govt mwathumu ndiosaphuzila koti bwanji but zomwezo holding high positions for the reason ya omwe anawasankhao.
Noman cisale , nankhumwa ma setifiketi ao bwa? just to mention a few.wina mmai mu area 18 anali big editor ku Finance koma ndi wa Form 2.
Tiyeni tioneso programme.
I miss it
Guys munthu ngati anafika udindo wa Major General chomulesa kukhala Deputy Army Commander ndi chiyani? Nsanje ndi zomwe zachuluka apa
This is the first time for soldiers to complain to the president. About appointment at the army. This is clearly that this president will not take us any far to be fankly
All this is false
news authored ny Nundwe himself, Chikunkha Soko, Nyamali, Orton Msukwa and Pethios Mdoka. Phiri is the best choice and also the only one who shall stop Nundwe”s abuse of resources and theft of peacekeeping funds. Actually Phiri should just ha e been appointed Commander NOT this useless Tumbuka who had no clue at dealing with strategic issues and National. Interests
Stupid boy Nundwe left Army before chakwela became president, who forced your stupid president to pick him again? Nundwe played a big role during revolution time in 2019, that would have curtailed the revolution without Nundwe, who forced Nundwe back as Army Commander? U are very full boy u need personal revolution
This article looks like there is more politics in it some facts do not add up.I believe there is a committee that choses leadership in the army it is that committee that should be put at fault.The president nods to the name approved by that committee. The article is also just trying to put mistrust between Nundwe and his deputy.
Lies
Heheheheeeeee! Si inu kodi padzana paja, mmabakira mademo mwati anthu koma awa! Mulira simunati! Lero uyu mchewa wopanda ndi form 4 imene akulamulirani uyu ndithu, next general ndi yemweyi basi! Mwaona sono!
PV Phiri is one of the most educated generals in the MDF. He has a Bachelors Degree, a Masters Degree and a Doctorate Degree. In fact we soldiers call him Doctor Pv the General. Most loved by many. All these allegations levelled against him are founded by one of the most nepotic man—-name withheld at the moment—– Tonse Sokole….Sokole…..Soldiers’PVvvvvvvvvvvv
I thought you took Chakwela as your God. Stupid zanu nonse. Mulira mpaka 2025
Simply because the president is from chewa tribe does not mean that chewas should not be promoted. This work has come from cadets within MDF and they will not succeed. The accusations are not making any sense at all. If they were serious enough, they would put their signatures on the so called letter. What are they afraid of? They were happy when only cadets were being promoted during DPP regime. Chakwera is a president of all the people. If Nundwe was a chewa, the same people could have spoken against his reappointment as well. Achewa nawo ndi AMalawi ndipo ayeneranso kumakwezedwa pa udindo monga m’malawi wina aliyense.
Nonsense. Its not their job to pick their own commanders. They should just salute the fellow and move on.