CDEDI and Citizens Plan Peaceful Demonstrations Demanding Inquiry into Military Plane Crash

By Burnett Munthali

The Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI), alongside concerned citizens, has formally notified the Lilongwe District Council of its intention to hold peaceful demonstrations on Thursday, October 24, 2024. The protests aim to pressure President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera to establish an independent commission of inquiry into the military plane crash that occurred on June 10, 2024, claiming the lives of nine individuals, including Vice-President Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima and former First Lady Dr. Patricia Shanil Dzimbiri.

Sylvester Namiwa, the Executive Director of CDEDI, along with fellow organizers Zynab Hasun, Omega Tsiku, and Stevelia Chasuluka, expressed their dissatisfaction with the preliminary technical report released by the German Federal Bureau of Aircraft Accident Investigation. They indicated that the report leaves many crucial questions unanswered regarding the tragic circumstances surrounding the crash.

• Breaking News: Vice President Usi stoned and chased away in Ndirande, Blantyre
  By Burnett Munthali A video clip circulating on social media has revealed a dramatic scene in Ndirande, Blantyre, where Vice…
• Young Human Rights Defenders Network Backs UTM Election Results
  By Edward Maloya The Young Human Rights Defenders Network (YHRDN) has condemned allegations of rigging in the United Transformation Movement’s…
• Mutharika and Kabambe register as voters in Thyolo, lure supporters
  By Burnett Munthali In a rare political coincidence, former president and Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) leader Peter Mutharika and his…
• Prof. Arthur Peter Mutharika lauds Thyolo East Supporters, criticizes Chakwera Administration
  By Burnett Munthali Former President and Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) leader, His Excellency Prof. Arthur Peter Mutharika, expressed heartfelt gratitude…
• K20 million nomination fee for presidential aspirants Can bail out some vulnerable families from poverty-Usi
  VP Usi pledges support to the needy Vice President, Dr. Michael Usi has said he deliberately chose not to pay…

The upcoming demonstrations are designed to demand a thorough and credible inquiry into the incident, emphasizing the need for accountability and transparency from the government.

The peaceful protest will begin at 09:30 AM at the Lilongwe Community Ground and will proceed through Mchesi and Kamuzu Central Hospital, ultimately culminating at the Lilongwe District Council offices. There, a petition will be presented to District Commissioner Dr. Lawford Palani, outlining the demands for an independent investigation.

CDEDI has underscored the constitutional right to hold peaceful demonstrations, clarifying that this notification serves to inform local authorities for effective planning rather than seeking permission for the event. This proactive approach aims to ensure that the demonstrations are conducted smoothly and without disruption, while highlighting the collective call for justice regarding the crash

As the date approaches, CDEDI and concerned citizens are mobilizing support to raise awareness about the need for a transparent investigation, demonstrating their commitment to justice for the victims and their families. The outcome of these demonstrations could play a crucial role in shaping public discourse around government accountability and the importance of independent inquiries in matters of national significance.