Malawi Govt Defends Probe Amid Calls for Independent Inquiry
On Tuesday, the influential Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) argued "the nation needs to know the truth on the cause of the plane crash."
LILONGWE, Malawi - Malawi's government is facing mounting pressure to launch an independent commission of inquiry into the plane crash that killed Vice President Saulos Chilima and eight others, even as officials assured a transparent investigation will be conducted by military and civilian authorities, writes Winston Mwale.
Civil society groups like the National Advocacy Platform joined Chilima's United Transformation Movement party in demanding scrutiny beyond the government's military-led probe into the tragedy that claimed 9 lives, including the vice president's, on Monday in Chikangawa Forest in Mzimba, nothern Malawi.
"They need to inquire into this tragic incident and keep the nation updated. We believe this inquiry will enhance our emergency response and prevent future incidents," said Benedicto Kondowe, NAP chairperson.
But Information Minister Moses Kunkuyu insisted the crash was already under transparent review, telling reporters: "An investigation into what caused the plane (accident) will also be carried out by the Malawi Defense Force and other relevant authorities and those interested."
Major General Saiford Mandiza Kalisha, Chief of Staff of the Malawi Defence Force Joint Headquarters, said the military has established "an independent team of investigators" for the probe.
He expressed optimism they would determine the crash's cause within 10 days after launching the official investigation on Thursday.
UTM Secretary General Patricia Kaliati said at a briefing that Chilima's death at51 had "left many Malawians including party supporters devastated," and that "the circumstances around the fatal crash require scrutiny."
On Tuesday, the influential Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) argued "the nation needs to know the truth on the cause of the plane crash."
Kondowe insisted only an independent commission could ensure public confidence in the crash probe's findings, arguing the disaster was too impactful to treat like a routine accident investigation.
No official cause has been given for the crash that killed all aboard the plane as Chilima traveled to a funeral in Nkhata Bay on Monday.
Factors like mechanical failure and weather are likely going to be examined.
*With additional reporting by Martin Kamlaike.
To gun for an investigation into the crash that kills a VP is incontestable. And it has to be done by independent experts in matters of aviation. I hope the wreck is being guarded or has already been moved and preserved.