By Joseph Dumbula
Malawi’s Parliament has launched a fresh probe into the 2024 military plane crash that killed former Vice President Saulos Chilima, with assurances of a transparent and credible inquiry.
Walter Nyamilandu, recently elected to chair a special parliamentary committee, pledged that the investigation will be conducted with fairness, professionalism, and accountability.
The committee—announced last week by Speaker of Parliament Sameer Suleman—brings together lawmakers from across the political spectrum and is tasked with establishing the full circumstances surrounding the fatal crash.
The military aircraft went down on June 10, 2024, in the Chikangawa Forest, killing all nine people on board and triggering national grief and widespread calls for clarity.
“I am honored to chair this ad-hoc committee of inquiry and can assure the people of Malawi that we will conduct the entire process with justice, fairness, and transparency,” Nyamilandu said.
He noted that the committee will revisit findings from a previous investigation that revealed inconsistencies and gaps.
“Our responsibility is to address those shortcomings so that the truth can emerge,” he added.
Nyamilandu also stressed the importance of cooperation from key stakeholders to ensure the inquiry’s success.
“Achieving our goals will not be feasible without support from all relevant stakeholders,” he said.
The committee is expected to soon determine whether its proceedings will be held in public or behind closed doors.
“We will convene to outline the next steps for the inquiry, including whether hearings will be public or private, under the guidance of parliamentary leadership,” Nyamilandu explained.
