Malawi

The Republic of Malawi would, like many countries in Africa, receive a large number of Bantu-speaking migrants during the 10th century CE who would displace many of the original, hunter-gatherer inhabitants. A small kingdom would emerge around 1500, reigning over most of the land that comprises the present nation. Portuguese explorers entered the region in the early part of the 17th century, making alliances and engaging in trade with the local monarch. The local empire would later dissolve into several smaller chiefdoms in 1700, leaving the territory without a unifying figurehead for over 150 years. David Livingstone would reach lake Malawi in 1868, establishing contacts on behalf of the British government that would lead to the region being annexed as the colony called Nyasaland in 1891. In 1953, the nation would be united with Southern and Northern Rhodesia in the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland. The union, however, had very little support from locals, who were beginning to feel the pull of African nationalism. Under the leadership of Dr. Hastings Kamuzu Banda, the Nyasaland African Congress (NAC) mobilized the nationalist sentiment and assisted in drafting a new constitution for the nation in 1960. When the Federation was dissolved in 1963, Banda (who had been elected Prime Ministery in 1963) became the ruler of the new Republic of Malawi. He would declare the nation a one-party state in 1966, and himself president for life in 1970. Banda would rule for thirty years, during which time he can be credited with improving the nation's economy, local industries, and standards of living. In 1993, responding to increased popular pressure, Malawi became a multi-party democracy, and in 1994 a new president was elected.

The armed forces of Malawi consiste primarily of the Army, which includes two Rifle Regiments (Malawi Rifles) and one Paratroop Battalion, as well as a Support Battalion, Air Wing and a Small Naval Detachment (which patrols Lake Malawi). In recent years, the Malawi Army have received training and assistance from the United States, including the donation of large quantities of military equipment and uniforms.

Camouflage Uniforms of Malawi