The Alliance for Democracy (AFORD) has written to the United Nations Secretary-General, António Manuel de Oliveira Guterres, expressing shock and sadness over the tragic plane crash that claimed the life of Malawi’s Vice President, Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima, and eight others.
In the letter, AFORD President, Enoch Kamzingeni Chihana, stated, “We take this tragedy as a matter of national concern, for it involves a highly politically risky person in the Vice President of Malawi.”
AFORD is urging the UN, SADC, and AU to support a thorough investigation into the crash, including the declaration of the crash site as a crime scene, a forensic investigation, and an internationally managed commission of inquiry.
“We feel obliged to call for these urgent actions, for Malawi is under a period of speculation on the events surrounding the death of Vice President Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima and the other distinguished eight passengers,” Chihana wrote.
The party is seeking international support to ensure a transparent and credible investigation, stating, “Our call for a fully internationally supported and managed action… is key for the nation of Malawi to have full confidence of closure on the plane crash accident.”
Chihana added, “We look forward to your response to our urgent call to action and assure you of our highest considerations.”
Vice President Chilima and eight others died when their plane crashed in a remote area of Mzimba District in northern Malawi on June 10, 2024.
The victims’ bodies were recovered and taken to Lilongwe for identification and autopsy.
According to officials, the plane was headed to Lilongwe from Chikangawa when it crashed due to unknown reasons, killing all on board.
 has written to the United Nations Secretary-General, António Manuel de Oliveira Guterres, expressing shock and sadness over the tragic plane crash that claimed the life of Malawi's Vice President, Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima, and eight others.){kind=link}