GENERAL PAUL VELENTINO PHIRI, MSM, psc,ndc, PhD
General Paul Velentino Phiri is the current Defence Force Chief, having taken over the position on 11 July, 2023 from General Vincent Nundwe. He joined the Malawi Armed Forces College (MAFCO) as a Direct Entry Cadet in 1980, graduating in 1982 as an infantry officer, and has held various significant Command and Staff roles in the military. Before his current role, General Phiri served as the Deputy Defence Force Commander starting from December 2020. His educational qualifications include a PhD in Peace, Conflict, and Security Studies, a Masters’ Degree in Strategic Management from Derby University, a Masters’ Degree in Global Security from Cranfield University, and a B.Sc. in International Studies from the University of Nairobi. General Phiri is actively involved in academia, serving as an Adjunct Staff member at Mzuzu University, teaching at the Centre for Security Studies, and as a visiting lecturer at the University of Cape Town for Peace, Conflict, and Security Studies. His decorations and awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (MSM), as well as psc and ndc qualifications, signifying his expertise and dedication in the field of military and security studies.
Lieutenant General George Alexander Jaffu (Jnr), MSM, psc
Lieutenant General George Jaffu (Jnr) has an extensive military background, starting his career in the Malawi Defence Force in 1988 and holding various positions such as Inspector General, Chief of Staff at Joint Headquarters, and serving as a Military Adviser at the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Malawi to the United Nations in New York. Prior to his current role as Deputy Defence Chief, Lieutenant General Jaffu has undergone significant military and civilian training at both local and international institutions, including obtaining a Master's Degree in Strategic Management from Derby University in the UK and completing numerous courses in areas such as Joint Operation Planning, United Nations Military Observer, and Defence Decision Making. Born on 19 November 1962, the Defence Force Deputy Commander originates from Mpondasi Village, Traditional Authority Mponda in Mangochi District.
MAJOR GENERAL SAIFORD MANDIZA KALISHA, MSM, psc, plsc, ndc,
Major General Saiford Mandiza Kalisha was appointed as the new Chief of Staff at the Malawi Defence Force Joint Headquarters as of 13th May 2024. Before his current role, he served as the Chief of Military Operations and Training, and his military career began on 31st July 1992 when he joined as an Infantry Officer after enlisting on 1st May 1991. Throughout his career, he has held various significant positions including Commandant of Malawi Armed Forces College, Deputy Commandant of the same college, and Commanding Officer of different Infantry Battalions. He has also been involved in peacekeeping operations and has contributed to military training centers, demonstrating a rich and diverse experience in the defense and military sector.
Major General Kalisha has vast experience in military operations both in Malawi and abroad, participating in missions like Operations SUKOLA, BWEZANI, CHISHANGO, and KWAENI in DRC, Mozambique and here in Malawi. He has also been actively involved in significant military exercises including serving as the Coordinator for RDC Bde during Ex UMODZI, Directing Staff for CJAX exercises in Zimbabwe and Zambia, and holding the position of G3 during ACOTA in 2016 and 2017. Additionally, Major General Kalisha worked as a Military Observer (MILOB) for the United Nations in the Democratic Republic of Congo and served as the Chief of Staff for MONUSCO’s Force Intervention Brigade (FIB) from April 2014 to April 2015.
Lieutenant Colonel Thokozani Andrew CHAZEMA, psc
Lieutenant Colonel Thokozani Andrew CHAZEMA is the current Deputy Chief of Staff at the Joint Headquarters. He is former Commanding Officer of the 3rd Infantry Battalion. Throughout his career, Lieutenant Colonel CHAZEMA has received extensive military education and training, specializing in Intelligence and Special Operations, with a focus on areas such as intelligence analysis, surveillance, VIP protection, and combating terrorism. Lieutenant Colonel Chazema is academically accomplished, holding a Master of Arts in Defence and Strategic Studies, a Master of Arts in Diplomacy and International Relations, a Bachelor's Degree in Security Studies, and is pursuing a PhD in Transformative Community Development. He has publications on Civil-Military Relations and Democratic Development in Malawi. He is associated with international organizations such as the International Society for Development and Sustainability, and the International Society for Military Ethics in Africa.
WOI Sally Ndauka MUSSA, MSM
Warrant Officer Class One Sally Mussa, MSM, has an extensive military background, having undergone various training courses in Malawi, Kenya, the USA, South Africa, and attending international symposiums in El Paso. He has held multiple significant appointments such as Section Commander, Platoon Sergeant, Company Sergeant Major, Regimental Sergeant Major, Brigade Sergeant Major, Army Sergeant Major and presently serves as the Malawi Defence Force Sergeant Major. He has been actively involved in various military operations, including deployments in Mozambique, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and participation in SADC exercises in Botswana and South Africa. WOI Mussa has received several honors and medals for his exemplary service, including the Efficiency Medal, SADC Medal, MONUSCO Medal, and the Meritorious Service Medal (MSM). As the Malawi Defence Force Sergeant Major, he plays a crucial role in advising High Command on matters concerning enlisted personnel. He is responsible for addressing issues related to the development, professionalism, morale, training, and welfare of soldiers and their families, in addition to supervising ceremonial parades and ceremonies.