By Vincent Gunde
Concerned Generals of the Malawi Defense Force (MDF) have expressed their deep concern over the integrity and reputation of their institution strongly cautioning Army Commander General Dr. Paul Velentino Phiri against any attempts to misuse the MDF to rig the elections in favor of President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera.
They say it has come to their attention that the Army Commander is intending to employ parallel structures outside established Command channels to influence the outcome of the elections for President Chakwera to be declared the winner.
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In an open letter which is circulating in various media platforms, Concerned Generals say they are aware of the team the Army Commander has appointed led by Brigadier Rodrick Mbalakumwendo and deputized by Colonel Givens Sichali-both loyalists of the MCP.
They have claimed that their names were presented to the Malawi Electoral Commission (Mec) as an election “security” taskforce to rig the 16th September, 2025 elections in targeted areas within the central region.
Concerned Army Generals say they recalled questionable appointments the Army Commander made previously such as Brigadier Mbalakumwendo to 94 Brigade Commander, Lt. Col. Mankhwanda to Kamuzu Barracks Commanding Officer, and Lt. Col. Masese to Parachute Battalion Commanding Officer.
They have claimed that these positions were deliberately filed to serve partisan electoral interests of the MCP and President Chakwera saying the MDF is a respected national institution whose credibility must never be compromised by political interference.
Concerned Army Generals say their role is to safeguard Malawians not to entrench any ruling party saying Army Commander’s continued attempts to politicize the MDF risk irreparably tarnishing the public image.
“They appear designed to shield himself from accountability for alleged corrupt dealings, including the recent illegal procurement of unserviceable helicopters,” reads the open letter in part.
The letter says soldiers across the MDF are deeply aware of the Army Commander’s corruption, nepotism, and disregard for their welfare, saying now, his plans are to aid President Chakwera in rigging elections have only deepened their discontent.
The concerned Generals have questioned Army Commander why he has by passed Major General Soko, and sidelined Major General G.W. Phiri in favor of Brigadier Rodrick Mbalakumwendo noting with a great concern that this same officer brought the MDF into disrepute.
They say Brigadier Rodrick Mbalakumwendo is the one who instructed a soldier to ignore the assault of activist Sylvester Namiwa at the Lilongwe Community Centre ground on 26th June, 2025 by MCP cadres in full view of cameras.
The concerned Generals say Brigadier Mbalakumwendo’s appointment to oversee elections is clearly demonstrating partisan intent and undermines the freedoms of Malawians assuring the Army Commander that if these plans persist, service men and women will not hesitate to act in defense of democracy and remove him from Command before the 16th September, 2025 elections.
In the letter, concerned Generals have made it clear to the Army Commander that soldiers have resolved to protect the vote and uphold free and fair elections in the interest of Malawians, not any political party.
