LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The country’s civil rights group under the banner Human Rights Consultative Committee (HRCC) has expressed its profound gratitude to all citizens for the peace and tranquility that characterised the burial of late Saulos Chilima, former Vice president of the republic.
HRCC appreciation comes hours after the late Chilima was buried at his home village Nsipe in Ntcheu.
In press statement issued on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, and signed by HRCC Board chairperson and member Robert Mkwezalamba and Desmond Mhango observes that despite pockets of violence and bad mouthing from some political leaders, selected cultural groups and social media influencers, Chilima burial was peacefull.
“HRCC would like to described the burial ceremony as sombre, reconciliatory, unifying and generally peaceful. Of particular mention is MCP and it’s supporters’ perseverance and President Chakwera’s frank, open and reconciliatory eulogy which did not attempt to look
down upon anyone but reasoned with everyone to hold and promote peace while looking forward to an independent inquiry towards closure of the death of Late Saulos Chilima and 8 others- such is leadership.
“Special mention should go to Former President Prof Arthur Mutharika and madam Mutharika besides other leaders, for gracing the occasion, their presence consolidated peoples hope for a united Malawi, ” reads the statement in part.
HRCC adds, “The brotherly hug and “silent whispers” cannot go unnoticed but deserve our special appreciation and commendation as that is the way we want Malawians to embrace diversity in unity.
"HRCC further extends its heartfelt condolences to the families which lost their loved ones when a vehicle going to the funeral lost control and hit pedestrians in Ntcheu"
HRCC however regrets that the occurrence could have been avoided if all structures were alert so as to civic educate the citizens of the likely danger, the roads posed on the day as the district was set to receive huge traffic due to the arrival of the remains
of the Vice President from Lilongwe.
“We mourn with the families. As we turn to the next episode of unearthing the cause of the crash and death, we can only appeal for more peace and unity so as to arrive at acceptable results and conclusion of the investigations.
“We appeal to Government to address the nation as a matter of urgency with details pertaining to the commencement of this investigation or details at which the same is being promoted,” says Mkwezalamba.
HRCC thefore hopes for a transparent process which should reach out to all individuals who presented their
positions on line and through other mediums as they hold key to the baseline details of the crash.
“As we proceed with the declared 21 days of mourning, we call on each and every citizen to reflect on what legacy they would want to further on from the late Saulos Chilima.
“We appeal for peace, unity and sound leadership in all political parties as they all work to support the development of the people of Malawi,” reads the statement.
HRCC hopes, “Well done the believed family, our tradition leaders and the Maseko ngonis, the Roman Catholic church and other denominations, the Police, the MDF, service providers, fellow CSOs and Malawians in general; we have shown the world that even in grief, we can mourn our brothers and sisters with dignity, respect and unity”.
