President picks new TPDF Chief of Staff

FATMA ABDU

Liutenant General Venance Mabeya

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RESIDENT John Pombe Magufuli has appointed Liutenant General Venance Mabeyo, the new Chief of the General Staff of the Tanzania People’s Defence Forces (TPDF), it was announced in Dar es Salaam yesterday.

Announcing the appointment, the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Davis Mwamunyange, told a news conference that the president has also extended his service to the army for a year.

“I was scheduled to go on retirement (today) on January 31, 2016. But I will now be around until January 31, 2017,” Gen Mwamunyange said. Gen Mwamunyange was appointed CDF by President Jakaya Kikwete in September 2007 and before his appointment he was the Chief of General Staff.

He told journalists that the president has also appointed Major General James Mwakibolwa to be the Head of Command for the Infantry, succeeding Major General Salum Mustafa Kijuu who retires this month.

The CDF said President Magufuli has also appointed Maj Gen Yakub Sirakwi Commandant (Chief Executive) of the National Defence College, taking over from Maj Gen Gaudence Milanzi who was recently appointed Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism.

Before this appointment, Maj Gen Sirakwi served as Assistant Coordinator of the National Security Council (NSC).

Meanwhile, Brigadier General William Ingram has been appointed Head of Air Force Command who served before as Chief of Staff at Air Force headquarters. Brig Gen William Ingram has replaced Maj Gen Joseph Kapwani who retires today.

President Magufuli appointed Brig Gen M.W. Isamuhyo to be Chief of the National Service, replacing Maj Gen Raphael Muhuga who retires today. Before the appointment, Brig Gen Isamuhyo has served as a director at the Military Headquarters.

Brig Gen Jacob Kingu has been appointed Chief Executive of Organisation of Contraction of Tanks.

He earlier served as Head of Administration and Training at TPDF Headquarters. Brig Gen Kingu replaces Maj Gen Charles Muzanila who retires today. Brig Gen Dr Rabison Mwanjela has been appointed Chief Executive of Lugalo Military Medical School (MCMS), replacing Brig Gen L.S. Msangi who retires.

President Magufuli also appointed Brig Gen George Msongole to be commander of the Tembo Brigade, taking over from Brig Gen J. M. Chacha who retires. Brig Gen Sylvester Minja has been appointed to be Head of Staff College, replacing Maj Gen Ezekiel Kyunga who retires.

Before the appointment, Brig Gen Minja was Head of Human Resources at the National Defence College.