General Paul Valentino Phiri arrested over alleged arms trafficking

Former Malawi Defence Force commander General Paul Valentino Phiri has been arrested and charged by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in connection with an alleged illegal arms trafficking scandal.

Phiri faces five counts including abuse of office and dealing in property linked to terrorism. The allegations stem from his purported role in facilitating the trafficking of heavy weaponry and missiles to Sudan during June and July 2025. Reports suggest that military equipment may have been offloaded at Lilongwe’s Kamuzu International Airport before being reloaded for transport to Sudan via Chad.

Following a brief period in police custody and an initial court postponement, Phiri was granted bail by a senior resident magistrate. The bail was set at a K10 million cash bond, supported by two sureties of K20 million each. As part of his release conditions, Phiri must report to the police monthly. His trial is scheduled to commence on November 12, 2026.