Newly appointed Malawi Defense Force (MDF) commander General Peter Namathanga has commended his predecessor for siding with people.

Namathanga has taken over  from retired General Vincent Nundwe.

General Namathanga was speaking during the handover of the sword of command which signifies that a new Army Commander is taking office.

He said the military will always remember Nundwe as a man who  took the military to great heights.

Namathanga’s appointment as commander of MDF came as a shock to many as Nundwe had only served  for nine months.

President Peter Mutharika appointed Namathanga last year as Airforce Commander.

General Nundwe ensured that Malawi remains peaceful amid on-going electoral disputes during his time.