By Suleman Chitera
President of the Chilungamo Party, Imran Jumbe, has commended President Peter Mutharika for ordering a fresh and independent inquiry into the plane crash that claimed the life of former Vice President Saulos Chilima and eight others.
In a strongly worded statement, Jumbe described the decision as an act of courage and principled leadership, arguing that moments of national tragedy require transparency rather than silence.
“In moments of national tragedy, history demands not silence, but courage,” Jumbe said. “By instituting a fresh inquiry, the President has demonstrated leadership anchored in accountability and fidelity to his word.”
A Nation Seeking Closure
The military plane crash that killed Chilima and eight other passengers sent shockwaves across Malawi, leaving families devastated and the nation grappling with unanswered questions. Beyond the immediate loss of life, the tragedy ignited debate over aviation safety, command responsibility, and the adequacy of the initial investigation.
Jumbe said the pain of the bereaved families was compounded by lingering doubts surrounding the previous commission of inquiry established under former President Lazarus Chakwera.
“As one of the patriots who openly questioned the credibility and thoroughness of the previous commission, I did so not out of malice, but out of love for country,” Jumbe stated. “When truth is clouded, transparency must shine brighter.”
He previously authored a public commentary titled “A Commission of Inquiry That Needs a Commission of Inquiry,” in which he argued that the earlier probe had failed to fully satisfy public expectations for accountability and clarity.
Leadership Under Scrutiny
Jumbe said the establishment of a new probe signals a shift toward governance rooted in conscience rather than convenience. According to him, justice must not only be done but must be visibly done to restore public trust.
“He has listened to the silent cries of families who have long sought closure. He has responded to the concerns of citizens who desired clarity over comfort,” Jumbe said of President Mutharika.
The Chilungamo Party leader further argued that reopening the investigation strengthens democratic institutions by demonstrating that executive decisions can be revisited where doubt persists.
Broader Political Implications
The renewed inquiry is likely to reignite national discourse on aviation safety standards, institutional accountability, and executive oversight within Malawi’s defense and civil aviation structures. Analysts suggest that the political implications could be significant, particularly given the high-profile nature of the victims.
Jumbe framed the decision as a defining test of Malawi’s democratic maturity.
“The President has chosen the harder path — the path of scrutiny — and that choice strengthens our democracy,” he said. “This new inquiry represents the dawn after a long night.”
Call for Unity
While acknowledging that no investigation can reverse the loss suffered by families, Jumbe expressed hope that the new process would deliver clarity, accountability, and lasting peace.
“However long the night, the dawn will break,” he said. “May this fresh inquiry bring justice to the departed and comfort to their families. May Malawi continue to be guided by leaders who understand that truth is the foundation upon which justice stands.”
The government is yet to announce the composition and timeline of the new inquiry, but expectations remain high that the process will be transparent, independent, and comprehensive.
For many Malawians, the renewed investigation represents not merely a legal procedure, but a national reckoning — one that could determine whether closure finally replaces uncertainty in one of the country’s most painful chapters.
