Chakwera Vows Independent Probe Into VP Chilima's Plane Crash
Chakwera asked for national unity despite anger over the crash. "I understand the pain Malawians are enduring," he said.
LILONGWE, Malawi- President Lazarus Chakwera vowed Sunday to allow an independent international investigation into the plane crash that killed Vice President Saulos Chilima, responding to growing calls for a transparent probe as he led a state funeral for his former governing partner, writes Martin Kamlaike.
In his eulogy at Bingu National Stadium, Chakwera said he has asked international partners to help conduct "a forensic and thorough investigation" into the June 10 crash in northern Malawi's Chikangawa Forest that claimed Chilima's life and those of eight others.
"The comprehensive report will be shared to the public and help my government solve the problems, in case they may happen again in future," Chakwera told mourners.
His call for outside experts followed appeals from Chilima's family, civil society groups and many Malawians demanding an external inquiry establish the cause.
Chilima's brother, Dr. Ben Chilima, said only a comprehensive, independent report can "win the trust of Malawians at large."
Lawyer Chikosa Silungwe, who represented the late vice president, said an "honest and robust inquiry" is needed to uphold the victims' souls and prevent future tragedies.
The military flight was carrying Chilima, 51, and others to a funeral in Mzimba district when it crashed shortly after taking off, killing all aboard. No cause has been determined.
Chakwera and Chilima jointly took office in 2020 after winning on an alliance ticket.
They fell out last year when Chilima stopped attending Cabinet meetings amid tensions over anti-corruption efforts.
Chilima was expected to run against Chakwera in the 2025 presidential election.
During Sunday's funeral in Lilongwe, speakers paid tribute to Chilima, with friend Dr. Matthews Mtumbuka calling him "a man of faith" and "big-picture thinker."
Tanzania's vice president, Phillip Isdor Mpango, said Malawi lost "an agent of unity and transformation."
Chakwera asked for national unity despite anger over the crash. "I understand the pain Malawians are enduring," he said.
Chilima's body will be buried Monday in his home village of Mbirimtengerenji in central Ntcheu district.