Former Commander of the Malawi Defense Force (MDF) General Peter Namathanga has handed over the Sword of Command to Commander of the MDF, General Vincent Nundwe at a ceremony conducted at Kamuzu Barracks in Lilongwe yesterday.
This comes after the latter was reinstated to his position by President Lazarus Chakwera on September 1 this year, just six months after being “unceremoniously” removed by former president Peter Mutharika.
In his remarks, General Nundwe hailed Namathanga for professionally executing his duties at the time he was at the helm of the forces.
In an interview after receiving the sword, General Nundwe said he feels humbled to have been given another chance, hinting that he will continue from where he stopped.
“I feel very happy, I am very humbled that the Commander-in-Chief [President Lazarus Chakwera] has given me this opportunity to lead the Malawi Defense Force once more, and it is my pleasure that I continue from where I stopped,” said General Nundwe.
He said he would also present a list of the MDF’s needs to Chakwera, indicating that part of the challenges are to do with financial hiccups and equipment.
Speaking after handing over the sword, Namathanga thanked officers for their cooperation during his tenure, adding that he was appointed to the position during a difficult time when the country was battling with the Covid-19 outbreak and anti-government demonstrations.
“I urge you to maintain professionalism, this country look up to you as the last line of defense, that you can’t compromise,” he said.
Asked on how he feels being a commander who has in the position for the shortest period, Namathanga said it is God’s will.
“I feel it’s history in the making, because commanders come, commanders go, this is what God wants to happen,” he said.
Namathanga said he will be waiting for the appointing authority to assign him to other duties.
He joined MDF in 1980 while Commander Nundwe joined in 1978.
Mathews Kasanda is a journalist who holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from University of Malawi (The Polytechnic).
In 2015, Media Institute of Southern Africa awarded him the Best Print Media Education Journalist of the Year accolade.
He joined Times Group Newsroom in September 2019.