Seek God’s guidance in national defence, APM tells MDF

President Peter Mutharika has urged Malawi Defence Force (MDF) soldiers to seek God’s guidance to succeed in protecting the country.

Mutharika, who is Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces, was speaking at Kamuzu Barracks in Lilongwe yesterday when he attended MDF inter-denominational prayers.

“Let me emphasise this point. If we want to succeed in life, we must walk with God, we must work hard, and live in love, because God is love… You are doing a great job, over and above defending this country, you are also protecting the environment,” he stated.

The President said he is proud of the MDF soldiers because they have earned their reputation not only locally, where they have recently halted the plundering of wildlife resources in game and forestry reserves, but also internationally.

“I am pleased with the love and professionalism with which you execute your duties in your peace-keeping missions. Your record is exceptionally impressive. Wherever I have gone, the world is proud of you,” he added.

MDF soldiers have won accolades for professional conduct in various missions, especially in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) where the troops have overcome severe challenges.

Stressing his point that divine intervention is needed for success, Mutharika pointed out that the Bible has many successful soldiers—like Moses, Joshua, Saul, Gideon and David—who depended on God and were prayerful.

“I believe in God. I believe in prayers. And I believe God answers prayers,” he declared, saying that was the reason he had earlier asked religious leaders to pray for good rains this growing season and that is why he will arrange for national thanksgiving prayers in April over what seems a great rainy season.

Earlier, MDF Commander General Griffin Supuni Phiri assured the country and the President of the soldiers’ protection against foreign or internal aggression.

“Your Excellency, your soldiers are ready to defend the people of this country from foreign and internal enemies. Malawians, and you, sir, should sleep peacefully, knowing that all your men are alert as a professional army,” he stated.

Phiri said MDF’s success is based on discipline and patriotism among all the soldiers, adding that the soldiers are determined to also deal with anyone who tries to destroy the environment in any way. n