Malawi appeals for military equipment from US
Malawi Government has asked the United States through its State Department to supply the Malawi Defence Force (MDF) with the latest military equipment.
Malawi’s Minister of Information Moses Kunkuyu made the request to US State Department spokesperson Nicole Thompson on Friday in the capital, Lilongwe at a press briefing where they announced conclusion of Epic Guardian exercise.
The exercise drew 500 American soldiers and civilians, including the elite Green Berets.
Kunkuyu said it is crucial that MDF professionalism be matched with adequate military equipment to ensure that the Army carries out its operations successfully.
“I, therefore, ask the US through you Ms. Thompson, to continue supporting MDF by providing it with latest military equipment to ably protect our nation as well as take up international assignments effectively,” said Kunkuyu
Thompson, however, emphasised that her government is committed to supporting Malawi militarily.
“We believe that this joint Malawi US exercise will contribute to Malawi’s internal security as well as to that of the region, the continent and the world. Through this exercise, the friendship of the two nations is stronger and military forces more capable,” said Thompson.
She said security cooperation is an important component of the US stance to support Malawi’s growth and development, which in 2012 topped K867 billion ($253 million) and included a wide range of programmes to improve health, education, economic growth and democracy.
Brigadier Peter Namathanga said the exercise will play a greater role in having the multi-agency crisis response structures Malawi National Security Policy.
