Fresh calls are emerging for government to institute a new Commission of Inquiry into the tragic plane crash that claimed nine lives, including that of former Vice President Saulos Chilima, amid renewed debate in Parliament and civil society.
Speaking in Parliament on Wednesday afternoon, UTM leader and Mulanje West legislator Patricia Kaliati urged the Ministry of Homeland Security to take decisive action, saying Malawians deserve answers over the circumstances that led to the accident.
“We lost very prominent people, and this is supposed to be looked into. We need to understand why such a tragedy happened, who made the decision for that plane to fly without fuel, and why those responsible have not been held accountable,” said Kaliati.
Kaliati said losing such national figures has a long-term impact on development, arguing that the late Vice President and others who perished were key players in implementing government programmes such as National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) and mega-farms.
“Some of these prominent people were the ones supposed to implement major initiatives. We must find out who made the recommendation for the plane to go without fuel. That person must be held responsible,” she added.
Meanwhile, Human rights activist and Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) Executive Director Sylvester Namiwa echoed the call, describing it as both “legitimate and timely.”
Namiwa said Malawians are still seeking closure and justice on the matter.
“We are talking about nine lives here, including the sitting Vice President. Malawians can only attain closure if all our questions are answered. The current administration must appoint a credible Commission of Inquiry made up of upright men and women who will carry out a transparent investigation,” said Namiwa.
Namiwa has also criticized the previous Commission of Inquiry, describing it as a “sham,” and argued that those who allegedly misled Malawians under oath should face legal consequences.
“Members of that previous Commission should be arrested for lying under oath. Malawians deserve truth and justice,” Namiwa said.
The Chikangawa plane crash, which occurred earlier this year, remains one of Malawi’s most devastating air tragedies, sparking ongoing demands for accountability and transparency.
The plane, a Malawi Defence Force Dornier 228, crashed in Chikangawa Forest while en route to Nkhata Bay via Mzuzu for the burial of former Attorney General Ralph Kasambara.