Jump to content

Paul Valentino Phiri

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Paul Valentino Phiri
Phiri in 2024
Fourth Commander of the Malawi Defence Force
Assumed office
July 2023
Appointed byLazarus Chakwera
PresidentLazarus Chakwera
Vice PresidentSaulos Chilima
PrecedingVincent Nundwe
Personal details
Born (1972-08-24) August 24, 1972 (age 52)
Blantyre, Malawi
Political partyMalawi Congress Party
OccupationSoldier

Paul Valentino Phiri is a Malawian military officer who was appointed as the Commander of the Malawi Defence Force (MDF) in July 2023 by President Lazarus Chakwera. He became the first officer from the Army's Infantry Corps to lead the MDF.[1][2]

Background

[edit]

Early life and career

[edit]

Phiri was born on 24 August in 1972 in Blantyre, Malawi.[3] He has served in the Malawi Defence Force for many years, holding various positions before becoming the Deputy Commander.

He was appointed as the Commander of the MDF in July 2023, replacing General Vincent Nundwe who served as the Commander of the Malawi Defence Force (MDF) from 2019 to 2023, appointed by former President Peter Mutharika. He retired from the military in July 2023.[4][5]

Phiri served as the Deputy Commander of the MDF under General Vincent Nundwe.[6] He was appointed as the Commander of the MDF in July 2023 by President Lazarus Chakwera, succeeding General Vincent Nundwe.[7][8][1][9]

Allegations

[edit]

Phiri has been under investigation by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) of Malawi since June 2023 for his involvement in a financial misconduct case. He is accused of misusing K38.5 millions of taxpayers’ money and coercing an accountant to authorize the payment.[10]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "President Chakwera appoint Paul Phiri as new Army Commander - Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi". www.nyasatimes.com. 2023-07-11. Retrieved 2024-06-12.
  2. ^ "Malawian president appoints new army chief-Xinhua". english.news.cn. Retrieved 2024-06-12.
  3. ^ Mhone, Macmillan. "Valentino Phiri". Malawi 24. Retrieved 2024-06-12.
  4. ^ "Vincent Nundwe". The Times Group. 2023-08-14. Retrieved 2024-06-12.
  5. ^ Mwale, Joseph (2023-07-14). "Nundwe rues 'too much political pressure' | Nation Online". mwnation.com. Retrieved 2024-06-12.
  6. ^ "Readout of Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Christopher W. Grady's Meeting". Joint Chiefs of Staff. Retrieved 2024-06-12.
  7. ^ Reporter, Malawi24 (2023-07-11). "Chakwera appoints Valentino Phiri as Malawi Defence Force Commander Malawi 24 | Latest News from Malawi". Malawi 24. Retrieved 2024-06-12.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  8. ^ Chauwa, Alfred (2023-07-12). "Malawi: President Chakwera Appoint Paul Phiri As New Army Commander". Nyasa Times. Retrieved 2024-06-12.
  9. ^ "Malawi's Army Chief Tells Politicians Not to Interfere in Military Affairs". Voice of America. 2021-12-19. Retrieved 2024-06-12.
  10. ^ Munthali, Burnett (2023-07-19). "Questionable Appointment of Lt General Paul Valentino Phiri as New Malawi Army Commander Under Investigation Malawi 24 | Latest News from Malawi". Malawi 24. Retrieved 2024-06-12.