President Lazarus Chakwera has promoted Major General Paulo Valentino Phiri to the rank of Lieutenant, Office of President and Cabinet (OPC) confirmed.

According to the statement from OPC, the president ensued the promotion in his capacity as the Commander in Chief of the Malawi Defense Force (MDF).

The development follows the appointment of  General Phiri  as Deputy Commander of MDF on December 23.

Before his appointment and promotion, Lieutenant General Phiri was Inspector General in the MDF.

He holds a PhD in Military Science and hails from Mchinji.

Zanga-Zanga Chikhosi Secretary to the President and Cabinet says Dr Chakwera has used his Constitutional powers as guided by sections 78 and 161 (1) of the Republic’s Constitution and Regulation 10 (8) of the Defence Force (Regular force) (Officers) Regulations.

OPC says the promotion is with effect from December 23, 2020. -MBC Online Services.