By Burnett Munthali
The Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI), together with a group of concerned citizens, has notified the Lilongwe District Council of its plan to hold peaceful demonstrations on Thursday, October 24, 2024. The demonstrations are aimed at pressuring President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera to establish an independent commission of inquiry into the military plane crash that occurred on June 10, 2024, tragically claiming the lives of nine individuals, including Vice-President Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima and former First Lady Dr. Patricia Shanil Dzimbiri.
In a joint statement, CDEDI Executive Director Sylvester Namiwa and others, including Zynab Hasun, Omega Tsiku, and Stevelia Chasuluka, expressed dissatisfaction with the preliminary findings of the crash investigation. The technical report by the Germany Federal Bureau of Aircraft Accident Investigation left many questions unanswered, prompting the call for a more credible and independent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the fatal accident.
“The loss of such prominent figures, including the Vice-President and the former First Lady, demands a thorough and transparent investigation. We cannot settle for incomplete reports when the nation has been shaken by such a profound tragedy,” Namiwa emphasized.
The demonstrations will begin at 9:30 AM at the Lilongwe Community Ground, proceeding through Mchesi and Kamuzu Central Hospital, before arriving at the Lilongwe District Council offices. There, the demonstrators will present their petition to District Commissioner Dr. Lawford Palani, demanding immediate action from the government.
CDEDI has underscored that these peaceful protests are a constitutional right, and the notification to authorities is intended to ensure proper planning and security, not to seek permission. โWe are simply informing the relevant authorities to ensure everything is done orderly. Peaceful demonstrations are enshrined in our constitution, and we aim to express our concerns responsibly,โ Namiwa added.
The call for an independent commission of inquiry has garnered growing support as more Malawians express concerns over the lack of clarity in the existing investigation. With emotions still raw over the tragic loss of key national figures, the demonstrations on October 24 are expected to draw significant attention and participation, as citizens demand justice and transparency.
