LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-As the nation commemorates the lives of late Vice President Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima and nine others tomorrow June 10th,who tragically died in a plane crash, human rights activists are urging for unity and peace during the memorial events.
In an interview with Maravi Post on Monday June 09,Human Rights Consultative Committee (HRCC) Chairperson Robert Mkwezalamba emphasized that the government is within its rights to organize official commemorations, given that Dr. Chilima died while serving in office.
Mkwezalamba called for the commemorative ceremonies to be held in both Msipe, Chilima’s home area, and Chikangawa Forest, the site of the tragic accident, to accommodate public mourning and honor the lives lost.
“We appeal to all parties to hold the ceremonies peacefully. This is a time for unity, not division,” he said.
He further proposed that Malawi should, going forward, designate a national day of remembrance for all public servants who die in the line of duty, including Chilima and the other victims of the crash.
While acknowledging the complexity surrounding the tragedy, Mkwezalamba urged the public to remain calm in the face of ongoing conspiracy theories alleging political foul play.
“As we approach the first anniversary of the accident, a government report has just been released. It clearly indicates that this was an accident. Let people read it for themselves,” observes Mkwezalamba.
The tragic crash, which occurred in June 10th 2024, claimed the lives of Vice President Chilima and eight others in Chikangawa sending shockwaves throughout the nation and beyond.
As memorial events unfold, Malawians are being urged to reflect, mourn respectfully, and work toward national healing.
