By Vincent Gunde
A staunch Malawi Congress Party (MCP) supporter from Mvera in Dowa District, Mr. Rodgers Kamphangala, has expressed shock and dismay over recent media reports quoting Malawi Defence Force (MDF) Commander General Dr. Paul Valentino Phiri.
The reports state that General Phiri is committed to ensuring peaceful elections on 16th September 2025.
Kamphangala said he was deeply disturbed by the sentiments expressed by General Phiri.
He questioned whether the statement truly reflected the position of the Army Commander or was made under political influence.
He said he does not support the declarations made by General Phiri.
He urged him to demonstrate neutrality by addressing the violence allegedly perpetrated by MCP youth operatives.
Kamphangala challenged the Army Commander to rise above party politics, particularly those associated with the MCP.
He said this is necessary if Malawians are to trust him as a genuine advocate of peace.
According to media reports, General Phiri assured the public that the MDF is ready to support the democratic electoral process.
He said the Army would maintain neutrality while upholding the Republican Constitution.
The Army Commander also pledged collaboration between the MDF, the Malawi Police Service (MPS), and other security agencies.
The goal, he said, is to ensure peace and order before, during, and after the elections.
However, Kamphangala questioned the Army’s silence in the face of recent political violence.
He cited incidents involving MCP youth operatives who have allegedly attacked opposition supporters in various parts of the country.
He referred to the February 24, 2024, attack at Mbowe Filling Station.
He also mentioned the beating of DPP supporters at the Kamuzu Mausoleum in Lilongwe.
He highlighted the hacking of AFORD members at Mponela in Dowa.
He said the MDF remained silent instead of defending democratic values.
He lamented that MCP youth operatives appear to wield more power than both the MDF and the MPS.
He likened their dominance to the notorious Malawi Young Pioneers during the era of the late President Hastings Kamuzu Banda.
Kamphangala criticized the security forces for failing to act during an alleged invasion of Parliament by MCP youth operatives.
He claimed they deflated the tyres of opposition vehicles.
He also said they intimidated civil servants to suppress planned protests in Lilongwe.
He called on General Phiri to demonstrate impartiality.
He urged him to order the arrest and prosecution of MCP youth operatives implicated in acts of political violence and intimidation.
Kamphangala emphasized that such action would convince Malawians of the MDF Commander’s genuine commitment to peace and democracy.
He also referenced an incident where MCP youth reportedly mounted roadblocks at Msundwe and Mpingu Trading Centres.
He said they stopped vehicles and confiscated campaign materials belonging to the DPP ahead of a rally in Mchinji.
Kamphangala concluded that unless General Phiri addresses these concerns and holds perpetrators accountable, he should refrain from speaking about peace in Malawi.
