Paul Valentino Phiri

Paul Valentino Phiri is a Malawian military officer who was appointed as the Commander of the Malawian Defence Force (MDF) in July 2023 by President Lazarus Chakwera. He became the first officer from the Army's Infantry Corps to lead the MDF.

Background

Early life and career Phiri was born on 24 August in 1972 in Blantyre, Malawi. He has served in the Malawi Defence Force for many years, holding various positions before becoming the Deputy Commander.

He was appointed as the Commander of the MDF in July 2023, replacing General Vincent Nundwe who served as the Commander of the Malawi Defence Force (MDF) from 2019 to 2023, appointed by former President Peter Mutharika. He retired from the military in July 2023.

Phiri served as the Deputy Commander of the MDF under General Vincent Nundwe. He was appointed as the Commander of the MDF in July 2023 by President Lazarus Chakwera, succeeding General Vincent Nundwe.

Allegations Phiri has been under investigation by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) of Malawi since June 2023 for his involvement in a financial misconduct case. He is accused of misusing K38.5 millions of taxpayers’ money and coercing an accountant to authorize the payment.