Chilima’s death commission of inquiry: Namiwa quits over membership composition

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Center for Democracy and Economic Development Initiative (CDEDI) Executive Director Sylvester Namiwa has resigned as a member in the ongoing commission of inquiry into 10th June Chikangawa Forest plane crash.

Namiwa resignation comes barely two days after President Lazarus Chakwera presided over the swearing in of members into the inquiry that killed the late Vice President Saulos Chilima and eight others.

In a press release issued on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 Nawima attributed his resignation to membership composition and lack of transparency of commission.

The resignation letter has been sent to Chakwera, Secretary to President and Cabinet (SCP) and the Commission itself.

Reads the statement, “At the onset, let me convey my heartfelt appreciation to you, Your Excellency Sir, for the trust and confidence to appoint me to serve as a member of the above mentioned commission.

“Nonetheless, I regret to inform you, Your Excellency, of my decision to resign with immediate effect”.

Namiwa adds, “For the avoidance of doubt Sir, this decision is in line with principles of transparency and accountability, stemming from the fact that given the
magnitude and the huge expectations on the much awaited commission, it was my conviction that witness testimonies, as part of the inquest, would be
held publicly, as clearly stated both in the Terms of Reference (ToRs) and the Commissions of Inquiry Act, for the benefit of the inquisitive masses.

“Your Excellency Sir, you may wish to also note that the same was demanded by the bereaved families, in a bid to enhance trust and confidence, after the citizenry questioned the composition of the commission”.

Namiwa adds, “Since by nature commissions make collective decisions, it is important to highlight that this proposal was shot down by the commission, right at the beginning of its meetings.

“It is therefore, strange that the commission, which is standing on a thin line of trust, should take such a route. This begs thequestion; what is it that the taxpayer sponsored commission intends to hide from the public, which has so many unanswered questions?”.

He observes further, “As an ardent advocate of transparency and accountability, I regret to inform you Sir, that I cannot be party to this commission, in this day and era and also owing to the fact that Malawi is a democratic society.

“As a matter of fact, a precedent was already set during the elections case in 2020, during which Malawians were accorded an opportunity to exercise their right to
access information on matters of national importance”,

Presidential spokesperson Anthony Kasunda is yet to comment on the matter as we went to press.

Maravi Post Reporter

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