LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The country’s civil rights groups under the banners Centre for Democracy and Economic DevelopmentInitiatives (CDEDI) and National Advocacy Platform (NAP) are demanding credible and transparent inquiry on the death of the late Malawi Vice President Saulos Chilima and eight others.
The call comes after President Lazarus Chakwera’s Tonse Alliance government engaged German experts to do thorough investigations on death of Chilima and eight others who died in plane crash on June 10, 2024 in Chikangawa Forest in Mzimba district.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday, June 25, CDEDI Executive director Sylvester Namiwa said,
“In view of the magnitude and sensitivity of the probe into the military plane crash that claimed the lives of Vice-President Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima and
former First Lady Dr. Patricia Shanil Dzimbiri and seven others in Chikangawa Forest on June 10, 2014, we wishe to urge President Lazarus Chakwera to ensure that the noble work of the German experts who are in the country to investigate causes of the tragic accident is complemented by an independent and inclusive commission of inquiry”.
Namiwa adds, “While welcoming the German experts, CDEDI wishes to let the President know that our considered view is that the experts’ work will help Malawians get answers to their many unanswered questions towards healing their broken hearts only if the investigators have credible reports of the sequence of events that happened before, during and after the tragic accident; hence our call for the formation of an independent and inclusive commission of inquiry which is why we find it strange that the President has rushed into engaging the foreign investigators before putting in place a commission of inquiry, which desirably ought to closely work with the investigators”.
“CDEDI is of the view that the President should not depart from the norm—that national tragedies of such nature are immediately followed by the naming of an
independent commission of inquiry for the sake of healing of Malawians’ broken hearts.
“In view of the above, CDEDI hereby implores President Chakwera to immediately institute an independent commission of inquiry whose membership, among
others, should include the following; The international community; Representatives of the bereaved families; Representative of the UTM Party leadership,” he said.
Namiwa appeals, “Last, but not the least, we wish to caution the President that, for whatever reasons he is delaying to name an independent and inclusive commission of inquiry into that tragic accident, he is creating a fertile ground for gossip.
“Mr President, Malawians are seeking answers to their many unanswered questions regarding the plane crash accident to heal their broken hearts and find closure”
Echoing the same, NAP chairperson Benedicto Kondowe adds, “The commencement of independent investigations by three German experts into the plane crash that killed Vice President Dr. Saulos Chilima and eight others is a crucial step towards uncovering the truth.
“The involvement of international experts ensures an unbiased and thorough inquiry, reflecting the gravity of this incident. Malawians expect a comprehensive and transparent investigation that provides clear answers and accountability to prevent future tragedies”.
Kondowe adds, “NAP underscores the need for credible and accessible reports from this investigation. Public trust relies on the transparency and integrity of the process, making it essential for findings to be communicated promptly and clearly.
“The NAP urges the government to continue its responsiveness and ensure all relevant information is shared with the public. We believe the investigation should not only determine the cause of the crash but also offer actionable recommendations to enhance aviation safety in Malawi”.
Chilima was led to rest on June 17, 2024 at his home village Nsipe in Ntcheu district.
President Chakwera declared 21 days of national mourning from June 11 to July 1, 2024.
