High court dismisses chief secretary’s application to overturn MDF officers’ stay order

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LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The High Court in Lilongwe has dismissed an application by the Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet to discharge a stay order obtained by five senior Malawi Defence Force (MDF) officers, challenging their redeployment to civilian institutions.

Judge Kenyatta Nyirenda ruled that the substantive judicial review proceedings will be heard in open court on January 16, 2026.

The five officers, Major Generals Francis Kakhuta Banda, Swithun Mchungula, Chikunkha Soko, Saiford Kalisha, and Brigadier General Harold Dzoole, had filed an application on November 20, 2025, seeking a stay of their secondments and permission to pursue judicial review.

The court initially granted the stay and leave to commence judicial review, but the hearing was halted following an application by the Attorney General on December 10, 2025, seeking to discharge the stay order.

The redeployment of these senior MDF officers to civilian institutions, including roles as directors of security at state-owned enterprises such as ESCOM, NOCMA, ADMARC, and EGENCO, has sparked controversy.

Critics argue that the move risks politicizing the MDF and undermining its institutional integrity.

Lawyer for the MDF officers, Alan Chinula SC, confirmed that arguments in the judicial review will proceed on the scheduled date, stating, “We have been granted permission to proceed with the judicial review application and interim relief orders against the redeployments”

The court’s decision has been seen as a significant development in the ongoing debate about the government’s handling of security personnel redeployments.

Observers warn that such moves could compromise the independence and effectiveness of national security organs, and call for transparent and justified personnel movements.

The affected officers’ challenge to their redeployment is seen as a test of the government’s commitment to respecting institutional norms and the rule of law.

The outcome of the judicial review is eagerly awaited, with implications for the future of security governance in Malawi.

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Former MDF Chief Valentino Phiri accused of illegally promoting Chakwera’s ex-ADC M’bobo to “General” during transition period

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Airtel Malawi

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Former Malawi Defence Force (MDF) Commander Paul Valentino Phiri is accused of illegally promoting former President Lazarus Chakwera’s ex- ADC (aide-de-camp) Raphael M’bobo from Colonel to Brigadier General during the transition of power period after September 16 Elections.

According to restricted promotion, appointments, relinquishment posting, transfer of officers and other ranks notice dated September 29, 2025, we have seen, Valentino Phiri single-handedly promoted M’bobo without approval of Malawi Defence Force council as required by the law.

Capital One
M’bobo and wife

Phiri made the decision when MDF council was dissolved following regime power change from Chakwera to incumbent Arthur Peter Mutharika. Chakwera lost elections to Mutharika by 56.8%.

According to Defence Force Act 2024, the MDF council which is comprised of Defence Minister (Chairman of Defence Council), Secretary for Defence, Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Commander, Deputy Commander and Chief of Staff, makes recommendation for appointments, promotions, transfers for officers which Valentino Phiri violated.

The development however has attracted tension in the force while some officers are calling for M’bobo’s promotion reversal.

“Immediate, Chakwera lost September 16 elections, Valentino Phiri new that his job was over. Phiri instead accepting the reality of power change, he single-handedly and illegally promoted his tribesman M’bobo from Colonel to Brigadier General for a mark.

“Phiri’s appointment was illegal and unacceptable against Defence Force Act which only allows MDF council to make recommendations for such decision. We are therefore calling the reversal of M’bobo’s promotion with immediate effect,” demands angrily senior MDF office on condition anonymity.

He added, “Now that the Minister of Defence, Chief of Staff, Secretary to President and Cabinet, Defence Ministry Secretary are in place, the MDF council is in force to make decisions. We need order in the force not politically motivated promotions, appointments and promotions”.

When contacted if is aware of the tension within MDF, Defence Minister Chimwemwe Chipungu asked for more time to learn saying he has just been appointed for the position.

MDF is now headed by Major General Jaffu.

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Valentino Phiri hands over Sword command Jaffu as new Malawi Defence Force chief

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Airtel Malawi

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-In a ceremony steeped in tradition and military pageantry, General Dr. Paul Valentino Phiri officially handed over command of the Malawi Defence Force (MDF) to General George Jaffu at Kamuzu Barracks in Lilongwe.

The handover ceremony, marked by a Pull Out Parade, signified the beginning of a new era for the MDF under General Jaffu’s leadership.

American Expressi

During the ceremony, General Phiri symbolically handed over the flag and sword of command to General Jaffu, signifying the transfer of authority.

The event underscores the country’s commitment to orderly transitions and stability within its armed forces.

General Phiri, who has been at the helm of the MDF since July 2023, has had a tenure marked by significant international engagements and efforts to modernize the defence force.

Notably, he led diplomatic missions to the United States, meeting with high-ranking officials at the Pentagon, and strengthening bilateral defence relations with countries like India.

However, Phiri’s tenure was not without controversy, as he faced allegations of financial misconduct and was embroiled in a high-profile lawsuit over the detention of a businessman.

Despite these challenges, Phiri’s leadership was marked by efforts to enhance the MDF’s capabilities and participation in peacekeeping missions.

As General Jaffu takes the reins, he faces the task of navigating the MDF through complex security challenges while maintaining its modernization efforts.

The MDF has been actively engaged in peacekeeping missions and humanitarian efforts, both locally and internationally.

The change in leadership comes at a time when the country is seeking to bolster its defence capabilities and strengthen its security framework.

General Jaffu’s experience and leadership skills will be crucial in guiding the MDF in the years to come.

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