By Suleman Chitera
Pressure is mounting on the government as the Umodzi Party has issued a five-day ultimatum demanding a clear explanation to Malawians on what action will be taken regarding a fresh investigation into the plane crash that claimed the lives of former Vice President Dr Saulos Chilima and five others.
Addressing the media in Blantyre, Umodzi Party president Thomas Kaumba delivered a blunt warning, accusing the government of playing games with a matter of national importance. Kaumba said failure to act decisively within the five-day window would confirm fears that the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) made empty promises on the probe.
“This is not a small issue that can be buried under silence,” Kaumba said. “Malawians deserve the truth. If nothing happens after five days, then it will be clear that the promises made to the nation were lies.”
The tragic plane crash shocked the country and left many unanswered questions, with growing public calls for transparency, accountability and an independent investigation. For months, families of the victims and sections of the public have expressed frustration over what they describe as a slow and opaque process.
Kaumba also turned his fire on the government’s handling of the Affordable Inputs Programme (AIP), describing the current situation as humiliating and unjust to poor farmers. He said it is unacceptable that several farmers are being forced to share a single 50-kilogramme bag of fertilizer, calling it a clear sign of failure in planning and implementation.
“This is an insult to struggling Malawians who depend on farming for survival,” he said.
In response, Minister of Justice Charles Mhango confirmed that his office has been reviewing the investigations conducted so far into the plane crash. Mhango said he is expected to brief the President on the findings and advise on the next course of action.
However, critics argue that briefings and reviews are no longer enough. With the clock now ticking on Umodzi’s ultimatum, the government faces renewed pressure to either act decisively or risk deepening public anger and suspicion over one of the darkest tragedies in Malawi’s recent history.
