Malawi Opposition Party Seeks UN Help in VP Death Probe
The calls for international assistance and an independent investigation come as Malawi grapples with the loss of its second-in-command and speculation surrounding the circumstances of the crash.
LILONGWE, Malawi - The Alliance for Democracy (AFORD) has urged the United Nations to support a thorough investigation into the plane crash that killed Malawi's Vice President Saulos Klaus Chilima and eight others, according to a statement released Thursday, writes Winston Mwale.
In a letter addressed to UN Secretary-General António Manuel de Oliveira Guterres, AFORD President Enoch Kamzingeni Chihana expressed shock and sadness over the tragic incident, which occurred on June 10 in the Northern Region of Malawi, Mzimba District.
"The nation of Malawi is under a period of speculation on the events surrounding the death of Vice President Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima and the other distinguished eight passengers," Chihana said.
"We call upon the United Nations, SADC, and the AU to support... a proper closure on the accident."
The party is requesting international assistance to:
Declare the plane crash site as a crime scene, protected from contamination by internationally delegated military personnel.
Conduct a thorough forensic investigation into the events surrounding the plane crash and the death of Vice President Chilima and others.
Establish an internationally managed commission of inquiry to investigate the circumstances leading to the crash and the death of the vice president and the other passengers.
Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition in Parliament, George Chaponda, has also called for an independent international commission of inquiry to investigate the plane crash, saying it would help put to rest the speculations and theories surrounding the incident.
Chaponda described the late Chilima as a dedicated leader who focused on youth empowerment and was determined to achieve great things for the country.
Malawi Defence Force Commander General Paul Velentino Phiri has justified the delay in starting the search for the plane, explaining that the aircraft was not yet declared missing when it lost contact.
Phiri said efforts to locate the plane's signal took time, and he appealed to Malawians to stop advancing theories that might destabilize the country.
The calls for international assistance and an independent investigation come as Malawi grapples with the loss of its second-in-command and speculation surrounding the circumstances of the crash.
The party emphasized its commitment to peace and prosperity for Malawi, saying it is "obliged to call for the above urgent actions" to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation.
The AFORD letter was copied to various international organizations, including the African Union, the Southern African Development Community, and human rights groups, as well as the President of Malawi, the Chief Justice, and the Speaker of the National Assembly.