LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The country’s civil rights group under the banner Rights Consultative Committee (HRCC) has urged Malawians not to politicise the German’s Bureau of Flight Investigations (BFU) Interim Report on the plane crash involving Malawi’s Vice President Saulos Chilima and eight others.

The appeal comes barely a day after BFU released the report regarding to plane crash on June 10, 2024 inside Chikangawa Forest in Mzimba district.

Addressing the news conference on Saturday, August 31, in the capital Lilongwe, HRCC chairperson Robert Mkwezalamba also disputed foul play claims on the plane crash.

Reading the statement, Mkwezalamba expressed worrisome over certain quarters of the society who are advancing false narrative over the report.

“We, the members of various Civil Society Organizations, under the leadership of the Human Rights Consultative Committee (HRCC), wish to address the nation through you, members of the press,
regarding the recently released Interim Report by the Bureau of Flight Investigations (BFU) on the plane crash that tragically claimed the lives of our Vice President, the late Dr. Saulosi Klaus Chilima,
former First Lady Shanil Dzimbiri, and seven others on June 10th, 2024, in Chikangawa.

“This incident represents a profound loss for our nation and has understandably been the focus of widespread speculation and concern. Our understanding of the BFU report is that it represents an initial presentation of their preliminary findings regarding the plane crash. A comprehensive and final report is expected to be released in the summer of 2025,” reads the statement in part.

HRCC adds, “We acknowledge that the details in this interim report are subject to further analysis, which will likely provide more conclusive insights into the actual cause of the crash. Therefore, it is premature for recipients of this report to draw definitive conclusions or suggest that the BFU has failed to explain the cause of the crash. Any such statements are purely speculative and risk causing unnecessary alarm and panic among the public.

“As Civil Society Organizations, we have observed with great concern the politicization of this tragic loss, including the various accusations and suspicions directed at individuals and the government,
particularly towards the President. Some have even suggested that the crash might have been the
result of foul play”.

The grouping observes, “We commend the President’s decision to seek support from international partners, such as the United States, and to initiate an independent investigation by the Federal Bureau of Aircraft Accident Investigation (BFU) from Germany, the country where the aircraft was manufactured. The
BFU has been entrusted with the responsibility of thoroughly investigating the cause of the accident
and making recommendations to prevent such tragedies in the future.

“We note with appreciation that the BFU has already issued two recommendations to the Government of Malawi while continuing their in-depth analysis of the crash. While we urge for patience and prompt action from the government in addressing the initial
recommendations provided by the BFU, it is evident from the report that the plane carrying the Vice President had significant issues that posed a clear risk to passenger safety”.

HRCC adds, “These revelations effectively dispel any theories of foul play, unless the final report suggests otherwise. The findings highlight several critical concerns regarding our nation’s ability to maintain and service such essential aircraft. Among the troubling revelations is that crucial equipment, such as the
Emergency Locator Transmitter, had a battery that was depleted 20 years ago, and there was no Black
Box on the flight. Although the report indicates that these items were not mandatory for a military
aircraft, we firmly believe their presence would have been instrumental in the ongoing investigation.

“These findings compel us as a nation to engage in a thorough introspection and reassessment of our
aviation safety standards. It is concerning to learn that the aircraft involved in the crash had previously been used to transport high-profile dignitaries, including President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe, the President of Ireland, and President Lazarus Chakwera”.

The grouping observes further, “The failure to
address the identified defects not only jeopardized the lives of these leaders but also significantly risked the reputation of Malawi.

“As Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), we acknowledge the gravity of this issue and stress the importance of addressing it with the seriousness it warrants”.

HRCC appeals, “We urge all Malawians to exercise patience and allow the full investigative process to take its course. While the interim report provides valuable insights, it is not the final word on this matter.

“We encourage the public to await the final
report, which will deliver a comprehensive understanding of the circumstances surrounding the
crash. It is crucial to recognize that only the BFU is equipped to interpret the details of their findings. We
caution against any attempts to manipulate or misrepresent the interim report for personal or
ulterior motives, as this could further upset the public and exacerbate the grief of the bereaved families.

“We recognize that every citizen has the right to voice concerns and seek clarity on matters of public
safety and accountability. However, we urge a measured and responsible approach when discussing
this sensitive issue. It is crucial to avoid spreading unverified information or making accusations that
could undermine the ongoing investigation and erode public trust”.

The grouping urges further, “We call on the government to demonstrate leadership by addressing the critical concerns raised by the public in a professional and transparent manner. This will help ensure that the interim report is interpreted correctly and that public discourse remains constructive and informed.
As Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), we remain unwavering in our commitment to advocating for
the highest standards of transparency, accountability, and safety for all Malawians.

“We will continue to closely monitor the situation and engage with relevant stakeholders to ensure that the lessons learned from this tragedy are applied to prevent future occurrences. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families of all those who lost their lives in this tragedy”.

HRCC adds, “We stand in solidarity with them and pledge to persist in our efforts until all questions surrounding this incident are answered and justice is served in a manner befitting the memory of the departed.

“We urge the Government and aviation authorities to take immediate and decisive action to address
the shortcomings identified in the report. This includes a comprehensive review of the maintenance
protocols for all state-owned aircraft to ensure that such safety lapses do not occur in the future.
May the souls of our departed heroes continue resting in eternal peace”.