President Lazarus Chakwera has appointed Lieutenant General Paul Valentino Phiri as the Commander for the Malawi Defence Force, and has since promoted him to the rank of General with immediate effect.

This has been confirmed in a statement signed by Secretary to the President and Cabinet Colleen Zamba.

In the statement the president has hailed outgoing commander, General Vincent Nundwe, for his great service.

“The Nation would like to thank General Vincent Nundwe for his great service during a pivotal and difficult period in the country’s history,” reads part of the statement.