Malawi Mourns Loss of Vice President, Seeks Crash Probe
As the investigation gets underway, Malawians are eagerly awaiting answers to the many questions surrounding the tragic incident that has shaken the nation.
LILONGWE, Malawi — Malawi's government will seek international assistance to investigate the plane crash that killed Vice President Saulos Chilima and eight others, the information minister said Tuesday, as the nation mourns its profound loss, writes Winston Mwale.
Speaking at a press briefing, Minister of Information and Digitalisation Moses Kunkuyu said the president is committed to a "comprehensive and transparent" probe, and is currently engaging with international partners to support the investigation.
The move comes as Malawi continues to mourn the loss of Chilima, a rising political star who played a key role in uniting opposition parties to unseat the previous government in 2020.
Chilima's death has sent shockwaves throughout the country, with thousands attending his burial on June 17 in his home village of Nsipe, Ntcheu.
The president's decision to launch an independent investigation is seen as a bid to address concerns over the government's handling of the tragedy, and to provide closure to the families of the victims.
According to Kunkuyu, the investigation will be conducted in a "transparent and accountable" manner, with the aim of providing a full understanding of the events leading up to the crash.
The government has also thanked international partners, the military, police, churches, businesses, and media for their support during the mourning period.
As the investigation gets underway, Malawians are eagerly awaiting answers to the many questions surrounding the tragic incident that has shaken the nation.