AFORD Pens United Nations For Chilima’s Plane Crash Inquest

As Malawians continue mourning the loss of the Vice President, Saulos Chilima, the Alliance for Democracy (AFORD) has called on the United Nations (UN) to stand with the country in its quest for accountability seeking answers and demand justice for those who perished in the Nthungwa tragic military plane accident.

Despite the government lowering the flag to half mast and declared 21 days of mourning, AFORD has written the UN Secretary-General, António Manuel de Oliveira Guterres, expressing shock and sadness over the tragic plane crash that has claimed the life of Chilima, Former first lady Shanil Dzimbiri, and seven others.

In a letter also copied to this publication, the AFORD President, Enoch Kamzingeni Chihana says the party takes this tragedy as a matter of national concern as it involves a highly politically risky person in the Vice President of Malawi and former first Lady, Shanil Dzimbili.

“On behalf of all aggrieved Malawians I urge your offices (UN, SADC and the African Union) to support with a thorough investigation into the plane crash, including the declaration of the crash site as a crime scene, a forensic investigation, and an internationally managed commission of inquiry,” reads Chihana’s letter in part.

Further more, in a letter addressed to the UN, the AFORD leadership has also reached out to other international bodies such as the European Union and the Commonwealth seeking support and solidarity during this most difficult time.

“The tragic loss of Vice President, Saulos Chilima and the other passengers on board the plane has left the nation in a terrible shock and mourning, we are determined to ensure that a thorough investigation be conducted to uncover the cause of the crash and prevent similar tragedies in the future,” added the request.

Meanwhile, Malawi’s United States based RnB music star popularly known as ‘JB’ has also appealed to the youth of the country to stand up in their quest for justice and accountability.

“The world is watching, let us say no to Impunity as we seek answers and demand justice for those who lost their lives in this tragic plane accident,” said JB.

Speaking through his Facebook page JB has equalled Chilima with the world’s greatest revolutionary leaders like: Martin Luther Jnr, Steve Bicco, Nelson Mandela, Ken Saro-Wiwa, Thomas Sankala and John Pombey MagufulI.

Meanwhile, General Paul Valentino Phiri of the Malawi Defence Force (MDF) says his heart is oozing with grief, urging all Malawians to avoid manufacturing stories that may just cause confusion.

Speaking during the the funeral ceremony of Col. Msambalopa General Valentino Phiri took time advising some social media influencers whom he called self-acclaimed aircraft crash theorists, accusing the MDF to have orchestrated the accident, saying the utterances are not only unfounded but sad.