By Pemphero Malimba:
The Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (Cdedi) has cancelled demonstrations that were scheduled for October 30, 2024 in Ntcheu District.
Cdedi and its partners planned the demonstrations with the aim of compelling President Lazarus Chakwera to institute a commission of inquiry into the plane crash that killed former vice president Saulos Chilima and eight other people in Chikangawa Forest.
The cancellation follows Chakwera’s decision to establish the commission.
The commission, which includes Cdedi Executive Director Sylvester Namiwa, comprises leaders from faith groups, traditional leaders, academics and human rights advocates.
Namiwa said his organisation positively welcomes the establishment of the commission.
“Cdedi wishes to assure the general public that the undersigned’s acceptance to serve in the commission is solely to represent the voiceless and should not in any way be feared as a compromise of the organisation’s noble duty,” Namiwa said in a statement released Sunday.
He said he will ensure that the commission responds to all questions on the plane incident.
“Cdedi is assuring the citizenry that it will carry to the commission all the unanswered questions stemming from the preliminary technical report by the Germany Federal Bureau of Aircraft Accident Investigations in August 2024,” added.
On Friday, Secretary to the President and Cabinet Colleen Zamba announced that Chakwera had instituted the 19-member commission.
Zamba said Chakwera made the decision in line with section 2(1) of the Commissions of Inquiry Act 2014.
According to Zamba, the commission is expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding and leading to the aircraft accident and “any other matter as specified in the proposed Terms of Reference”.
“The appointments are with immediate effect. In accordance with section 5 of the Commissions of Inquiry Act, the persons so appointed to serve on the Commission of Inquiry hereby constituted shall take a prescribed oath at Kamuzu Palace on Monday, 28 October, 2024,” she said.
Zamba added that the team is expected to present a report of its findings and recommendations to Chakwera on or before November 30, 2024.
Chilima and the eight others died in the plane crash on June 10, 2024 on their way to the burial ceremony of lawyer Ralphael Kasambara in Nkhata Bay District
