Parliament passes new Defence Forces law
Parliament yesterday repealed the Defence Forces Act and replaced it with a new legislation to reflect changes in the functional operations and administration of the Malawi Defence Force (MDF).
The Bill was yesterday unanimously passed by the House with Minister of Defence Harry Mkandawire saying it will facilitate the expansion and growth of the Defence Force to enable it effectively and efficiently deliver its constitutional mandate.
Commenting on the Bill, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) spokesperson in Parliament Ralph Jooma said DPP supported the Bill because it takes care of aspects which were not in the previous Act.
“For example, we know military schools have been established outside the law, but now the Defence Force will have the mandate to establish military schools,” he said.
Taking her turn, United Democratic Front spokesperson Esther Jolobala said her party was in support of the Bill because through the national service section, it offers a window of job creation for graduates who are struggling to get employment.
“I am saying this because the national service encompasses different disciplines and we have well educated youth in Malawi who will find opportunities in the National Service,” she said.
The Bill, among other things, provides for the composition of the Defence Force as comprising the Army, the Maritime Force, the Air Force and the National Service, with the National Service serving as a reserve force for the Army, the Air Force and the Maritime Force.
It further provides for the powers of the Commander-in-Chief which includes ordering deployment of the Defence Force into active service and authorising the deployment of foreign forces in Malawi.
The Bill also provides for the establishment of the offices of the Commander, Deputy Commander and Service Commanders and their powers and functions, the establishment of the Defence Force High Command and its powers and functions as well as establishment of directorates, military colleges, the Commissions Board, the military police, the office of Inspector General of the Defence Force and the General Commander and a Staff Council to facilitate administration, recruitment, training, discipline and operational efficiency of the Defence Force.
The Bill also provides for the process and grounds for exiting the Defence Force, which include, retirement, resignation, discharge and dismissal from service by order of a court-martial or the High Court; operational matters of the Defence Force and these include billeting, requisitioning of motor vehicles,air craft and vessels, and cooperation with defence forces of other countries.
