In a ceremony held at Kamuzu Palace on December 19, 2024, President Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera made remarks following the official receipt of an independent commission report into the tragic aircraft accident involving the Malawi Air Force Dornier 228 that resulted in the loss of the late Vice President, Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima, and eight others.
The President’s remarks were laden with gratitude, empathy, and a call for national healing as the country grapples with the somber implications of the report. In his opening remarks, President Chakwera expressed heartfelt appreciation for the diligent efforts of the Commission of Inquiry members. Recognizing the challenging nature of the investigation, which entailed engaging with approximately 130 witnesses and traversing the country, he commended the members for their commitment, stating, “The work you have done … has been painstaking and enormous … demanding meticulous attention to details and testimonies.”
Highlighting the emotional toll of their undertaking, Chakwera acknowledged the misunderstandings and criticisms faced by the Commission members due to the politically sensitive nature of their investigation. “You have been investigating a politically sensitive subject that some will inevitably see as an occasion for political theatre,” he remarked. His emphasis on respect for the members’ sacrifices and dedication to uncovering the truth resonated profoundly as he recognized the nation’s collective grief over the tragedy.
In a break from tradition, the President thanked the Commission for allowing the report to be shared publicly prior to his review, reinforcing his commitment to transparency and respect for the victims’ families.
“Out of respect and sensitivity for the trauma and grief that the country as a whole experienced … as well as out of respect for the wishes and calls of the bereaved families for transparency, we needed to hear your independent findings and recommendations directly from you,” he stated. The report’s reading, which lasted nearly five hours, was characterized by the President as a crucial moment for the nation to process the unfolding realities, no matter how uncomfortable.
Although he had not yet read the report in full, President Chakwera outlined his immediate directive to ensure that hard copies be delivered to the bereaved families by the close of business the following day. He emphasized the importance of allowing these families to digest the report over the weekend before it is made publicly available in multiple languages, reiterating his commitment to clarity and accessibility in communication surrounding this tragedy.
The President expressed his intention to closely review the recommendations outlined in the report and assured the audience that he would communicate decisions regarding those findings in a timely manner. This commitment signified his dedication to not only addressing the aftermath of the tragedy but also to implementing potential reforms aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future.
Chakwera took a moment to connect personally with the Commission members and attendees, recognizing that many had lost friends and colleagues in the fatal crash. He extended his condolences to all who shared in this loss, stating, “My final word to you is to ask that you accept my deepest condolences on any losses that you yourselves suffered from this tragedy.” This sentiment aptly captured the profound sense of loss permeating the gathering, inviting collective grief and reflection.
Concluding his remarks, the President called for a minute of silence in honor of those who perished in the tragedy, an act that underscored the somber and reflective nature of the occasion. As the nation continues to journey toward healing, President Chakwera’s address emphasized the importance of transparency, respect for the bereaved, and the need to glean lessons from the past as Malawi moves forward.
The Commission of Inquiry was composed as follows:
- His Lordship Jabbar Alide – Chairperson
- Monsignor Dr. Patrick Thawale – Commissioner
- Bishop Mary Nkosi – Commissioner
- Sunduzwayo Madise – Commissioner
- Justin Mkandawire – Commissioner
- Brigadier Cosgrove Mituka – Commissioner
- Emma Kaliya – Commissioner
- Inkosi ya Makhosi M’mbelwa V – Commissioner
- Senior Chief Makwangwala – Commissioner
- Dixie Kwatani – Commissioner
- Professor Nyengo Mkandawire – Commissioner
- Senior Counsel Alan Chinula – Commissioner
- Esther Chioko – Commissioner
- Nimia Kambiri Mzembe – Commissioner
- Lydia Chiotha – Commissioner
- Ruth Mwandira – Commissioner
- Mirriam Wemba – Commissioner
- Chizaso Nyirongo – Secretary
- His Worship Paul Chiotha – Secretary
