General Paul Valentino Phiri transferred command of the Malawi Defence Force to General George Alexander Jaffu on Friday after nearly 40 years of military service. The outgoing commander said political figures and business leaders repeatedly attempted to influence recruitment decisions and internal operations throughout his leadership.
Phiri established a tank battalion and artillery brigade while modernizing training facilities under his command. He urged government officials to acquire trainers and attack aircraft to strengthen air defense systems beyond basic transport functions.
The retired general told officers that merit-based promotion protected military independence from outside pressure. President Peter Mutharika appointed Jaffu as Deputy Commander in May 2024 before selecting him to lead the armed forces this month.
Phiri warned his replacement that effective leadership requires cooperation among personnel rather than individual authority. The ceremony at Kamuzu Barracks concluded reforms designed to maintain constitutional loyalty above personal interests within the defense institution.
Phiri established a tank battalion and artillery brigade while modernizing training facilities under his command. He urged government officials to acquire trainers and attack aircraft to strengthen air defense systems beyond basic transport functions.
The retired general told officers that merit-based promotion protected military independence from outside pressure. President Peter Mutharika appointed Jaffu as Deputy Commander in May 2024 before selecting him to lead the armed forces this month.
Phiri warned his replacement that effective leadership requires cooperation among personnel rather than individual authority. The ceremony at Kamuzu Barracks concluded reforms designed to maintain constitutional loyalty above personal interests within the defense institution.
