Malawi Defence Force (MDF) Commander General Paul Valentino Phiri has denied claims suggesting that the military was complicit in the violence in Lilongwe when machete-wielding thugs attacked protesters.
The violence was perpetrated by a gang that disrupted demonstrations Citizens for Credible Elections organised to force Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) chairperson Annabel Mtalimanja and chief elections officer Andrew Mpesi to step down.
In full view of both police and MDF officers, the gang torched vehicles, stole a public address system and beat up Lilongwe protests organisers, including activist Sylvester Namiwa.
Civil society organisations and the international community have been quick to blame the police and military for failing to protect the demonstrators.
But in an interview with the Commander in Salima on the sidelines of an MDF Drill competition on Friday, he said the military could never be complicit in violence.
“But I am looking at it from a perspective where maybe there must be some misunderstanding. You have to understand that issues of internal security belong to the police. The military are only called in to assist when the police are overwhelmed.
“So, it depends on the interpretation which those who are advancing these sentiments are coming from. I would like to leave this issue for now. Maybe after further consultations and understanding, I might be able to shed light on this. But as of now MDF is there to protect civilians. There is no way MDF would actually go into the field and start firing at civilians,” he said.
Meanwhile, Changalume Barracks (9 Malawi Rifles) have won the 2025 Malawi Defence Force drilling competition which took place at Malawi Armed Forces College in Salima.
The Armour Battalion finished second and the Malawi Navy finished third.
For being champions, Changalume carted home K5 million in prize money, Armour Battalion pocketed K3.5 million and Navy got K2.5 million
It was a double triumph for Changalume as their parade commander Major Dalitso Jimmy Jeseman was named best parade commander.
Speaking during the closing ceremony, the Valentino Phiri said the competition was meant to reinforce discipline and attention to detail, qualities that are indispensable in both training and operational environments.
“This event was not merely about display of precision and coordination, but a testament to the values that define us as a disciplined and cohesive force. Drill is the foundation of military professionalism. It instils discipline, fosters unity and sharpens the mind and the body,” he said.
The competition, which started on Tuesday and ended on Friday, saw military units from MDF fighting for honours.
