Mwakasungula backs plane crash inquiry report saying positive path towards right alaw

Human Rights Advocate, political and social commentator, Undule Mwakasungula has hailed the release of inquiry report on the death of former Vice President Saulos Chilima and other eight Malawians saying this is the right path towards right direction as this is the report Malawians have been anticipating for so long.

In a press statement released on Sunday 15th December, 2024 Mwakasungula emphasized that as a nation, people must collectively acknowledge its contents as the value of the report lies not only in its findings but in its role in facilitating healing and closure for the painful chapter in the country.

“The report is comprehensive, addressing all the key areas outlined in the Commission’s Terms of Reference. It provides an in depth analysis of the circumstances surrounding the tragedy which claimed the lives of the Vice President and eight other Malawians,” reads part of the statement.

Among others, the statement said, the report concludes that the aircraft resulted from a combination of environmental factors such as adverse weather conditions, and human factors, including pilot misjudgements as these findings shed light on the tragic events and provide clarity on the causes of the accident.

Mwakasungula further said the lessons behind this tragic events such as implementing policies and procedures as well as enhancing the capacities of various government ministries and department such as the Office of the President and Cabinet, the Army, Police, Civil Aviation, Health are important for safeguarding the lives of Malawians and ensuring such an incident does not happen again.

He noted that the gap in timeframe for implementing the recommendations in the report may lead to the recurrence of similar tragedies as there is need for government and relevant institution to act with urgency to address identified gaps.

“Ultimately, this report should serve as a means for national closure. Whether or not we fully agree with its findings, we must resist politicizing this tragedy and instead use the report as a tool to move forward as one nation,” the statement further said.

He therefore urge Malawians to approach this moment with resolve and committiment to learning from the past, to build a future free of such tragedies as this is a step to shared pursuit of healing and progress as a nation.