Malawi Mourns Chilima, 'Agent of Unity' Amid Angry Scenes
Chilima, 51, alongside eight others, died June 10 when his plane went down in northern Malawi's Chikangawa Forest while traveling to a funeral for lawyer Ralph Kasambara.
LILONGWE, Malawi - Malawi's President Lazarus Chakwera led grieving tributes Sunday for Vice President Saulos Chilima amid angry scenes, as crowds booed the leader while he called for an independent probe into the plane crash that killed Chilima and left the nation "overwhelmed" by grief, writes Winston Mwale.
"I assure all Malawians today that this accident will be investigated transparently and independently," Chakwera told thousands gathered at Bingu National Stadium in the capital Lilongwe to bid farewell to Chilima.
Boos rang out, but Chakwera continued: "I have already asked foreign nations to help us in this matter."
But the booing grew louder as Chakwera raised questions over what happened when the military aircraft crashed, with the president saying: "The questions Malawians have are the same questions I have...What Malawians struggle to understand, I also struggle to understand."
Chakwera asked the nation for patience as independent experts investigate the crash thoroughly.
"If we want this investigation to truly answer our questions, please continue to maintain peace and comfort each other calmly," he said, struggling to be heard over the jeers.
Urging national unity, Chakwera recalled Chilima as "patient," someone who "did not hold grudges."
The president told mourners amid boos: "If there is one thing I learned from Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima...it is the value of being good to everyone."
"As your hearts are broken, may the Lord embrace you, and may the Holy Spirit comfort you," Chakwera said, his voice rising over the angry crowd.
He asked Jesus "to grant peace to the soul of Saulos Chilima."
People kept booing as Chakwera delivered his eulogy, but the president kept to his script, saying in part: "I understand the pain Malawians are enduring over this loss."
The booing grew louder as he raised questions over what caused the military aircraft to crash.
Earlier on, as a solemn but restive crowd looked on, mourners heard heartfelt tributes to Chilima, described as "a man of faith, a big-picture thinker and a great strategist" by friend Dr. Matthews Mtumbuka.
He said Chilima fulfilled everything he set out to achieve "to the best of his abilities."
Tanzania's Vice President Phillip Isdor Mpango called Chilima "an agent of unity and transformation of Malawi's economy," saying the nation lost someone "who wanted change."
Mpango said memories were still fresh of Chilima's recent visit to Tanzania.
Others eulogized Chilima's dedication to democratic reform after Malawi's transition from one-party rule, his distinguished public service career, and efforts promoting tribal harmony.
"Chilima was committed to improving the lives of Malawians," said Patricia Kaliati, Secretary General of Chilima's UTM party, highlighting his vision for projects like the "mega farms."
The U.N.'s Rebecca Adda Dontoh said "Malawi has lost a great leader who helped a lot in the development agenda."
Inkosi ya Makhosi Gomani V's spokesperson Kandi Padambo called Chilima, known as "Biyeni" in Ngoni culture, "humble and peaceful."
Former Attorney General Chikosa Silungwe, who knew Chilima as a teenager, praised his "professionalism" and said he performed "perfectly well in public service."
Chilima "was a friend to many and a man of different abilities and passion," Silungwe said, calling for a thorough probe to bring "closure."
Secretary to the President Collen Zamba said Chakwera "worked diligently" with Chilima on development, calling him hardworking and dedicated to family.
"The legacy of Chilima will continue to inspire future generations," Zamba said.
Chilima, 51, died June 10 when his plane went down in northern Malawi's Chikangawa Forest while traveling to a funeral for lawyer Ralph Kasambara.
Eight others perished in the crash.