Malawi Defence Force soldiers who participated in a Sadc Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SamiDRC) have raised concerns over delayed and installment-based payments of their dues.
The soldiers, who were deployed in DRC on December 24 2023 and returned between February and June 2025, say they were initially promised K48 million each upon their return, but they are yet to receive their full payments.
One soldier described the ordeal, saying: “After some struggles with the MDF leadership, we were paid 50 percent of the amount, which was K24 million, and received a memo stating that the remaining amount would be paid within 14 days.
“However, that promise was not honoured for months. Following further protests, we were paid 25 percent of the remaining 50 percent in early September. The other 25 percent remains unpaid to date.”
Another soldier expressed frustration over the payments and the toll it has taken on their lives.
He explained: “It was a tough mission. Many of us got injured, and some of our colleagues died during the mission. We are unable to use the money productively because it is being paid in installments, and after begging for it as if we didn’t work for it.
“The mission comprised soldiers from South Africa, Tanzania and Malawi. Our colleagues in the other countries received their money the same week they returned home.”
In a telephone interview, MDF spokesperson Frank Kayanula Banda confirmed that the soldiers have not been paid their full dues, but he did not reveal the reasons for the delay.“Management discussed the matter with them and they were promised that they will be given their money. Management is working on the same and they will be given their money soon,” he said.
The development has raised eyebrows among human rights activists who are concerned about the delay to pay the pay the soldiers they money several months they returned from the peacekeeping mission.
Human Rights Defenders Coalition chairperson Michael Kaiyatsa expressed alarm over the situation.
“These soldiers represented Malawi with courage and professionalism under extremely difficult and risky conditions. To hear that they are being paid in installments, with significant delays, is troubling and raises serious questions about transparency and accountability in the management of peacekeeping mission funds,” said Kaiyatsa.
He emphasised that fair and timely compensation is not just a financial matter but, also, a human rights issue that goes to the heart of dignity and justice for those who serve.
Kaiyatsa urged the MDF leadership to act swiftly and transparently, adding: “The affected officers are encouraged to remain patient but also to seek clarification and engage through formal communication channels within the MDF and the Ministry of Defence. It is important that their grievances are heard and addressed through lawful and transparent mechanisms.”
Centre for Human Rights Education, Advice and Assistance executive director Victor Mhango also voiced concern over the situation.
“These officers risked their lives to represent Malawi and contribute to regional peace and security, and they deserve timely and full compensation for their service,” said Mhango.
He added that delayed payments, especially for those injured or with fallen colleagues, undermine their welfare and raise questions about accountability and transparency in handling peacekeeping funds.
“Such situations can lead to serious socio-economic and psychological distress for affected officers and their families,” Mhango noted, and urged MDF to act with urgency on the matter.
