Safeguarding constitutionalism in Malawi: The role of malawi defence force

Abstract

The principle of civil military control places ultimate military authority in the hands of civilian leadership, with civilian responsibility and control of the military being balanced between the Executive and the Legislative branches of government. For democracy to thrive, civilian authorities must maintain a delicate balance: controlling the military while ensuring its operational effectiveness to avoid a legacy of military interventionism. A key issue is how to cultivate a military force that remains subordinate to political control, without compromising its autonomy. Evidence from Malawi shows that some civilian leaders have overstepped boundaries, influencing military actions against constitutional guidelines, though the study has also shown that Malawi Defence Force (MDF) demonstrated resilience against political influence that sought MDF’s intervention beyond constitutionally sanctioned mandates. The study highlights the challenges of applying Western civil-military control theories to developing democracies, where traditional models may falter. However, contemporary theories that encourage stakeholder partnerships within the nation-state are proving successful in harmonising political and military leadership dynamics. The primary objective of this research was to assess the evolving relationships between civil authorities and the military in Malawi, focusing on constitutional adherence and interaction with civilian oversight institutions. Using qualitative methods, data was collected through key informant interviews and document reviews, analysed via content analysis. The findings reveal several “critical junctures” between 1993 and 2020, where civilian leadership allegedly pressured the military to breach its constitutional role. Notable events include, “Operation Bwezani, the death of the Head of State in 2012, the contested 2014 general elections, and the 2020 fresh presidential elections, which followed widespread protests. The study concludes that MDF must operate strictly within legal boundaries for continued professionalism. Recommendations include implementing policies that strengthen civilian-military control mechanisms while respecting constitutional limits to prevent undue political influence over the military.