The widow of Malawi’s former vice president, who tragically died in a military aircraft crash in June, is calling for an independent investigation into the incident. The crash, which claimed the lives of Saulos Chilima and nine others, remains shrouded in mystery, and Mary Nkhamanyachi Chilima, his widow, seeks answers.
On Sunday, Mrs. Chilima made an emotional visit to the crash site to mark what would have been her wedding anniversary with her late husband. In a heartfelt appeal on social media, written in her native Chewa, she urged the public and officials to support her in lobbying for an independent commission of inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash. Her plea comes as the family grapples with unresolved questions about what transpired between June 10, when the plane disappeared from radar, and June 11, when its wreckage was finally discovered.
The aircraft, carrying the former vice president and others, crashed while returning from the funeral of a former justice minister. Tragically, there were no survivors, leaving families of the victims devastated and searching for answers.
In August, a preliminary report from the German Federal Bureau of Aircraft Accident Investigation provided some insights but stopped short of explaining the cause of the crash. The report highlighted that the aircraft was not adequately equipped for the journey, but it did not offer clarity on the specific factors that led to the tragic event. For the families of the victims, this has only deepened the sense of loss and uncertainty.
Malawi’s Information and Civic Education Ministry has acknowledged the widow’s call for a thorough investigation. The government is in dialogue with the Chilima family and has expressed its commitment to understanding the cause of the crash. In a recent statement, the Ministry emphasized the collective desire to uncover the truth behind the accident, noting that the widow’s request aligns with calls already made by other members of the family.
Visiting the crash site, Mrs. Chilima rekindled her deep sorrow and grief, while also intensifying the family’s determination to know the full truth about what happened. The government has assured that it will continue to engage with the family on this matter, promising transparency and support.
As the widow seeks justice, the government has reassured the public that Mrs. Chilima and the families of the other victims are being supported according to the country’s laws. While the tragedy has left an indelible mark on the nation, the calls for an independent inquiry have become even more urgent as the country awaits clearer answers.
Saulos Chilima’s journey from the business sector to politics was marked by significant milestones. He initially entered the political scene as deputy to former President Peter Mutharika in 2014. However, after breaking ranks with Mutharika, Chilima played a pivotal role in forming a coalition with several other political parties, ultimately defeating Mutharika in a historic presidential election rerun in 2020. Following that victory, Chilima served as vice president under current President Lazarus Chakwera.
As the nation looks to next year’s elections, the loss of Chilima has left a significant void. He had been widely expected to run for the presidency, a position many believed he was well-positioned to contest. Now, the tragedy has shifted the focus to ensuring that the events leading to his death are thoroughly examined, so that his family and the nation can have closure.
The widow’s call for an independent inquiry underscores the need for transparency and accountability in addressing the crash. With the government pledging its cooperation and support, Malawians are watching closely, hoping that the full truth will eventually come to light.
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