New MDF boss to prioritise peace

Newly-appointed MDF Commander General Vincent Nundwe has said top on his agenda is to ensure that Malawi remains a peaceful country amid on-going electoral disputes.

The Commander was speaking in an interview with Weekend Nation just hours after being appointed to the highest rank in the army.

Nundwe said people have a right to demonstrate when aggrieved and no one should infringe on anyone’s right since Malawi is a democratic State.

He, however, said while people are free to demonstrate, they should ensure that there is no loss of life and property.

“My priority is, first of all, to ensure that Malawi is sovereign. I will also ensure that Malawi is peaceful. The Malawi Defence Force (MDF) will protect everyone without considering their tribe or anything,” he said.

Drawn to comment on the current political unrest facing the country due to electoral disputes—which potentially threatens national peace and security, the MDF commander said this is a political problem but advised all players to follow the law in raising their concerns to relevant channels.

“What we do not want to see is someone infringing on other people’s rights, loss of life and property. Let them demonstrate, after all that’s their right, but they should not infringe on other people’s rights and damage property, that is not acceptable,” he added.

Nundwe said the MDF is not a primary law enforcer, but in the interst of national security, it will not hesitate to join hands with the Malawi Police Service should they be stressed.

A press statement, dated June 20 2019 and signed by Chief Secretary to the Government Llyold Muhara, said Nundwe’s appointment as commander of MDF and promotion from Lieutenant General to the rank of General is with immediate effect.

He has replaced General Griffin Spoon Phiri who has now been appointed national security adviser.