By Burnett Munthali
President Lazarus Chakwera announced on his official Facebook page today that the Commission of Inquiry tasked with investigating the June 10 plane accident has submitted its final report to his office. This long-awaited development marks a significant step in addressing the tragedy that shook the nation earlier this year.
The President revealed that he has directed the Commission to provide hard copies of the report to all bereaved families by the close of business tomorrow. Additionally, the wider public will have access to the findings starting next Monday, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Expressing his appreciation for the Commission’s work, Chakwera commended their dedication to what he described as a “noble task.” He acknowledged the challenges the Commission faced, particularly in navigating the politically charged atmosphere surrounding the inquiry.
“The work you have done has exposed you to a lot of misunderstanding and abuse, not only because you have been investigating a politically sensitive subject that some will inevitably see as an occasion for political theatre, but also because the nation’s wounds from the tragedy have not yet fully healed,” Chakwera wrote.
Despite the adversity, the President expressed confidence in the Commission’s professionalism and urged them not to be disheartened by criticism.
In his statement, Chakwera also indicated that he would carefully review the report’s findings and recommendations before announcing his decisions.
This announcement has sparked anticipation across Malawi, with citizens eagerly awaiting the report’s content and the government’s planned course of action. Many see this as an opportunity for the administration to demonstrate its commitment to justice and accountability in addressing the incident.
The June 10 plane accident, which resulted in significant loss of life, remains a painful memory for many Malawians. As the nation awaits the public release of the report, there is hope that it will provide clarity, closure, and lessons to prevent such tragedies in the future.