Paul Valentino Phiri is a Malawian military officer who was appointed as the Commander of the Malawi Defence Force (MDF) in July 2023 by President Lazarus Chakwera. He became the first officer from the Army's Infantry Corps to lead the MDF.[1][2]
Paul Valentino Phiri | |
|---|---|
 Phiri in 2024 | |
| Fourth Commander of the Malawi Defence Force | |
| Assumed office July 2023 | |
| Appointed by | Lazarus Chakwera |
| President | Lazarus Chakwera |
| Vice President | Saulos Chilima |
| Preceding | Vincent Nundwe |
| Personal details | |
| Born | August 24, 1972 Blantyre, Malawi |
| Political party | Malawi Congress Party |
| Occupation | Soldier |
Background
editEarly life and career
editPhiri was born on 24 August in 1972 in Blantyre, Malawi.[3] He has served in the Malawi Defence Force for many years, holding various positions before becoming the Deputy Commander.
He was appointed as the Commander of the MDF in July 2023, replacing General Vincent Nundwe who served as the Commander of the Malawi Defence Force (MDF) from 2019 to 2023, appointed by former President Peter Mutharika. He retired from the military in July 2023.[4][5]
Phiri served as the Deputy Commander of the MDF under General Vincent Nundwe.[6] He was appointed as the Commander of the MDF in July 2023 by President Lazarus Chakwera, succeeding General Vincent Nundwe.[7][8][1][9]
Allegations
editPhiri has been under investigation by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) of Malawi since June 2023 for his involvement in a financial misconduct case. He is accused of misusing K38.5 millions of taxpayers’ money and coercing an accountant to authorize the payment.[10]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b "President Chakwera appoint Paul Phiri as new Army Commander - Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi". www.nyasatimes.com. 2023-07-11. Retrieved 2024-06-12.
- ^ "Malawian president appoints new army chief-Xinhua". english.news.cn. Retrieved 2024-06-12.
- ^ Mhone, Macmillan. "Valentino Phiri". Malawi 24. Retrieved 2024-06-12.
- ^ "Vincent Nundwe". The Times Group. 2023-08-14. Retrieved 2024-06-12.
- ^ Mwale, Joseph (2023-07-14). "Nundwe rues 'too much political pressure' | Nation Online". mwnation.com. Retrieved 2024-06-12.
- ^ "Readout of Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Christopher W. Grady's Meeting". Joint Chiefs of Staff. Retrieved 2024-06-12.
- ^ Reporter, Malawi24 (2023-07-11). "Chakwera appoints Valentino Phiri as Malawi Defence Force Commander Malawi 24 | Latest News from Malawi". Malawi 24. Retrieved 2024-06-12.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ Chauwa, Alfred (2023-07-12). "Malawi: President Chakwera Appoint Paul Phiri As New Army Commander". Nyasa Times. Retrieved 2024-06-12.
- ^ "Malawi's Army Chief Tells Politicians Not to Interfere in Military Affairs". Voice of America. 2021-12-19. Retrieved 2024-06-12.
- ^ Munthali, Burnett (2023-07-19). "Questionable Appointment of Lt General Paul Valentino Phiri as New Malawi Army Commander Under Investigation Malawi 24 | Latest News from Malawi". Malawi 24. Retrieved 2024-06-12.
