Curriculum Vitae
FRANCIS B L E SSING S K AK H UT A-B ANDA
Sex Male
Birth Date 01January, 1968
Nationality Malawian
Religion Christian (Roman Catholic)
Marital status Married
Home Address Kaloga Village
T. A. Mpando
NTCHEU
MALAWI
Languages English and Chichewa
E- Mail Address: Kakhutafrancis@[Link]
franciskakhuta@[Link]
ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS
1. Master of Arts in International Studies (2018)
Institution: University of Nairobi (Kenya)
2. Master of Arts in International Relations (2013)
Institution: University of the Witwatersrand (South Africa)
3. Bachelor of Arts with Honors-International Relations (2012)
1
Institution: University of the Witwatersrand (South Africa)
4. Bachelor of Arts Degree in International Studies/Relations
and Communication & Media Studies (2009)
Institution: Monash University
5. Diploma in Public Relations (2001)
Institution: University of Malawi: The Polytechnic
3. Malawi School Certificate of Education (1989)
Institution: Mtendere Juniorate
EMPLOYER & ADDRESS
Malawi Government (Malawi Defence Force)
Malawi Defence Force Hqs
Kamuzu Barracks
Private Bag 43
LILONGWE
MALAWI
AWARDS
ndc (K) by National Defence College- Kenya: (2018)
Passed Staff College (psc) by Command and Staff College
Arusha- TANZANIA (2010)
Dean’s Recognition Award for Outstanding Academic Results
(Monash University, 2009)
PROFESSIONAL/ MILITARY COURSES
2
1. National Defence College (Grade 1) Karen, Kenya- 2018
2. Civil-Military Responses to Terrorism and Civil-Military
Approaches to Maritime Security-Naval Post Graduate
School, California, USA-2015
3. Command and Staff Course (Grade II) Arusha, Tanzania
-2010
4. Company Commanders Course- Mafco - 2003
5. Junior Officers Staff and Command Course- Mafco- 1999
6. United Nations Staff Officers Course-(RPTC)-Zimbabwe-
2015
7. United Nations Military Observer Officers’ Course –
Switzerland- 2003
8. Platoon Commanders Course – Zimbabwe- 1997
9. Officers Basic Intelligence Course – Lilongwe- 1996
[Link] Protection – Lilongwe- 1996
11. Airborne Course – Parachute Battalion- 1991
12. Officers Cadets Course- Mafco- 1991-1992
APPOINTMENTS
Commanding Officer Malawi Defence Force Marine Unit: 2015
to Present.
MDF Spokesperson/ Public Information Officer: 2012 to 2015
Deputy MDF Spokesperson/ Public Information Officer: From
2002 to 2012.
Appointed Spokesperson (English) for SADC Standby Brigade
(Ex Golfihno): 2009.
Appointed as a United Nations Military Observer in DR
Congo : 2004
Officer Commanding Headquarters Company- Marine Unit :
1999 - 2000
Adjutant -Marine Unit : 1998-1999
SO 111 - 94 BDE Headquarters : 1998- 1998
Acting Adjutant – 2MR: 1995-1997
Intelligence Officer -2MR : 1993- 1997
Platoon Commander- 2MR : 1992 - 1993
3
PROMOTIONS
2019 –Brigadier General (Current Rank from Feb 1)
2017- Colonel
2012- Lieutenant Colonel
2007- Major
2002- Captain
1994- Lieutenant
1992- 2/Lieutenant
1991 March- July 1992 Officer Cadet
EXPERTISE
International Relations
Strategy
Diplomacy
Conflict Management
Foreign Policy Analysis
International and National Security
International Relations of Africa
International Relations of Middle East
International Relations of Asia Pacific
International Relations of Europe
International Relations of the Americans
Social Science Research
Communication and Media Studies
PUBLICATIONS
Assessing Civil Military Relations in Malawi (Pending)
Counterterrorism as Greatest Source of Insecurity in
International System: A Critical Analysis (Pending)
Africa’s Efforts to Manage Conflicts: Muddling Around?
(Pending)
4
Is there Hope for Africa? Rethinking the Afro-Pessimistic and
Afro-Optimistic Orientations- NDC Journal, Karen, Kenya
Foreign Aid and Poverty Reduction In sub-Saharan Africa: a
Solution to the Problem? [Link]
The Doctrine of Humanitarian Intervention: Its Impact in the
International State System and the Potential Implications.
Clarion. Command and Staff College Magazine. Tanzania
(2010).
RESEARCH
Countering Terrorism through Youth Deradicalization in
Africa: Case Study of Kenya (2018)
The Variance in the Use of Child Soldiers in Armed Conflict:
the Case of Angola and Mozambique (2014)
An Investigation into the Root Causes of Piracy in the Horn of
Africa: A Case Study of Somalia (2010).
Computer Skills
Word
Excel
PowerPoint
Internet Explorer
Microsoft Publisher
HOBBIES
Reading Novels, Newspapers and Journals
Sports: Football, Boxing, Handball, Squash and Swimming
DECORATIONS
Metorious Service Medal (MSM)- 2019
Efficiency Medal-2019
Nacara Corridor Campaign Medal -1993
United Nations Military Observer Medal (DRC) -2005
SADC Medal -2009
5
REFEREES
1. Prof. Gilbert Khadiagala
University of Witwatersrand
School of International Relations
South Africa
E-mail:[Link]@[Link]
2. Dr. Jacqueline De Matos Ala
University of Witwatersrand
School of International Relations
South Africa
E-mail:[Link]@[Link]
3. Dr. Rose-Marie Bezuidenhout
Monash University
Communication and Media Studies Department
Private Bag X60
Roodeport, 1725
South Africa
Phone: 0027 83 459 6481
E-mail: [Link]@[Link]
4. Dr. Anita Kiamba
University of Nairobi
School of Diplomacy and International Studies
E-mail: akiamba@[Link]
akiamba@[Link]
