The High Court in Lilongwe on Thursday granted an interim injunction restraining the government from redeploying five senior Malawi Defence Force (MDF) Generals to various civilian institutions.

The five officers — Major Generals Chikunkha Soko, Saiford Kalisha, Swithun Mchungula, Francis Kakhuta Banda, and Brigadier General Harold Dzoole — had been reassigned to serve as Directors of Security in several state-owned enterprises.

Dissatisfied with the redeployments, which were initiated by the Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, the officers petitioned the court, seeking permission to commence judicial review proceedings and to halt the transfer process.

Their lawyer, Allan Chinula (SC), confirmed to Zodiak Online that Justice Kenyatta Nyirenda issued the order.

"We have been granted permission to proceed with the judicial review application and interim relief orders against the redeployments," Chinula stated.

A court order seen by Zodiak Online further stipulates that the injunction will operate as a stay of the Chief Secretary’s decision until the matter is fully determined by the court.

The affected officers' reassignments included roles at key parastatals with Major General Chikunkha Soko posted to the Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation and Major General Saiford Kalisha earmarked for the National Oil Company of Malawi.

Major General Francis Kakhuta Banda was reportedly redeployed to Lilongwe Water Board and Major General Swithun Mchungula was reportedly redeployed to the Electricity Generation Company.

Brigadier General Harold Dzoole was assigned to the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi.

The injunction temporarily freezes these civilian postings, allowing the court time to formally review the legality of the redeployment decision.

The transfers were seen as part of the broader campaign by the newly elected Democratic Progressive Party to consolidate its grip power.

 Several other senior officers in the civil and public services also either been replaced or suspended since the DPP come to power in the September 16, 2025 elections.