Comrade jumbe writes
A Step Forward for Justice: Commending President Chakwera’s Independent Enquiry, But Seeking Full Representation
In the midst of our national grief, we must recognize and commend the wise decision of His Excellency, President Lazarus Chakwera, in establishing an independent enquiry into the tragic Chikangawa plane crash.
This disaster, which claimed the lives of former Vice President Saulos Chilima and eight others, left a deep scar on the hearts of all Malawians.
As one of the citizens who has long advocated for such an enquiry, I stand here today in support of this necessary step towards truth and healing.
The president has made a commendable move, showing that leadership is not just about power, but about transparency and accountability.
As an African proverb says, “The chief is the shield of the people.” By establishing this enquiry, President Chakwera is indeed shielding the people from the darkness of speculation and mistrust.
He has shown that he listens to the cries of his citizens and is committed to uncovering the truth.
For this, we thank him.However, while we applaud the establishment of the enquiry, we must ask some important questions.
“A bird does not change its feathers in one place,” and similarly, an enquiry cannot succeed if it does not evolve into a process that involves all sectors of our society.
The key to this investigation’s success lies not just in the independence of the team but in the participation and trust of the Malawian people.
My concern, which echoes the voices of many, is whether those leading this independent enquiry are truly independent.
We need to ensure that the team reflects the diversity and impartiality needed to heal our nation.
Have the families of the victims been consulted on this names appointment? Are they actively involved in leading this investigation?
The role of the families is crucial, for “the one who feels the pain knows where it hurts the most.” If these families are not part of the process, how can we ensure that the investigation will heal their wounds and the wounds of our nation?
We must also ask: are all sectors of our society represented in this investigation?
Are all church umbrella bodies have their representatives in this team? Are human rights activists and civil society organizations presented? ensuring that justice is served fairly and transparently?
As we have been advocating all along, the independent investigation must be inclusive, representing all corners of Malawian society.
“A single bracelet does not jingle,” and in the same way, this enquiry cannot succeed without the combined voices of all who have been affected.
The purpose of this independent investigation is to heal our nation, and the nation can only heal if it feels truly represented in this process.
While we do not question the integrity of the learned individuals appointed to lead this enquiry, we believe that the participation of all sectors will strengthen the process.
The families of the victims, in particular, must be involved in every step. “A wound cannot heal if the medicine does not reach it.”
Without the healing of these families, the nation cannot heal.
It is up to the people of Malawi to decide whether the current appointments inspire confidence.
We have no room for doubt, especially when it comes to such a sensitive matter. Should there be any member of the team who appears to be aligned with the Malawi Congress Party, or if the integrity of the enquiry is compromised in any way, then we will have no choice but to request the president to reconsider the appointments.
“When the village elders gather, the community thrives,” and we ask that this investigative team be one that the entire community can trust and stand behind.
let us acknowledge the progress that has been made with the establishment of this enquiry.
We commend President Chakwera for this critical step, but we also remind him that the healing of this nation requires the participation of all.
My pen is mightier than a sword.
