By Burnett Munthali
Security in Malawi has become a highly debated topic, especially concerning the role of private security firms aligned with political parties.
In a recent discussion on a WhatsApp platform for ex-Malawi Defense Force soldiers, several retired officers shared their insights on the state of security in the country, raising concerns about professionalism, political influence, and the distinction between security forces and political enforcers.
One former soldier opened the discussion by observing that many security companies attached to political parties prioritize hiring “bouncers” solely based on their muscular build.
According to him, these individuals often lack proper security training, having only gained their physical strength by lifting heavy merchandise in markets or warehouses.
He argued that true security work demands professionalism, not just brute strength, and that relying on untrained individuals compromises the integrity of security services.
Another retired soldier added that a major challenge among many leaders is their limited understanding of security matters.
He pointed out that most politicians associate security with body contact, likely because of what they experience in public places such as bars and nightclubs.
However, he warned that as the country develops, security threats will evolve, and politicians may eventually encounter more sophisticated threats, such as snipers.
He emphasized that in any situation involving gunfire, a trained security officer must prioritize self-protection while ensuring the safety of their client.
To achieve this, security personnel must be trained in maneuvering, taking strategic positions, and responding effectively under fire.
He urged security company owners, particularly those hired by political parties, to understand that modern security goes beyond hand-to-hand combat or martial arts.
A third retired soldier shifted the discussion towards the role of the military in governance and politics.
He reminded the group that the primary duty of the Malawi Defense Force (MDF) is to protect the government of the day, not individual political parties.
He acknowledged that while some officers within the Malawi Police Service may sometimes show political bias, this is not expected of the military.
The Malawi Police Service is responsible for internal security, which makes them more vulnerable to political influence, but the Malawi Defense Force must remain neutral and professional at all times.
He warned that when the military aligns itself with a political party, it risks losing the trust and confidence of the public.
The discussion then turned to allegations that the Malawi Defense Force is currently biased in favor of the ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP).
One retired soldier expressed concern, saying that if true, such political affiliations would be both unfortunate and unprofessional.
However, he cautioned against assuming these allegations are factual, hoping instead that they remain mere speculation.
Another retired officer criticized the presence of unqualified individuals in security roles, reiterating that many so-called security personnel are simply weightlifters from the streets.
This, he argued, contributes to the decline in professionalism and effectiveness within security teams, particularly those working for political parties.
A fifth voice in the discussion took the conversation back to history, recalling an incident in 1979 involving a young soldier at Kamuzu Barracks.
According to him, this soldier, whose name was withheld because he has since passed away, attended a political rally in Lilongwe while disguised in Malawi Congress Party regalia.
At the event, he poked out the eyes on a cloth bearing the party’s emblem, an act that sparked controversy.
The regional minister at the time, Aaron Gadama, escalated the issue, leading to an inquiry at the highest military level.
The Army Commander at the time, General Yohane, had to address the matter, with military officials questioning whether poking out the eyes on the cloth meant that the President himself had lost his vision.
The lesson from this incident was clear: politics had no place in the military, and any form of political interference was strictly discouraged.
The retired soldier lamented that today, such principles seem to have been abandoned, with political influence creeping into military affairs.
The final contributor to the discussion expressed deep concern about civilians wearing military-style regalia associated with political parties.
He warned that allowing party supporters to dress in military attire could lead to the dangerous underestimation of the army’s authority.
He cited reports suggesting that 28 political party youths were recently taken to Ntakataka for security training, despite having no official role in government security structures.
He described such actions as reckless and dangerous, arguing that they must be stopped before they undermine the integrity of the nation’s security apparatus.
In conclusion, the discussion among these former Malawi Defense Force soldiers highlighted several pressing issues regarding security and political influence in the country.
The consensus was that security must be rooted in professionalism rather than physical strength or political allegiance.
The military must remain neutral and dedicated to its national duty, rather than serving partisan interests.
Furthermore, the use of untrained individuals in security roles, particularly by political parties, poses a serious risk to both leaders and the public.
Ultimately, security in Malawi must be governed by expertise, discipline, and respect for national institutions, rather than being reduced to a tool for political gain.
