The Malawi Defence Force (MDF) has been warned against using national security as a shield to avoid scrutiny in the ongoing Chikangawa plane crash inquiry.
Sylvester Namiwa, Executive Director of the Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI), made the remarks on Friday during a press briefing in Lilongwe.
Namiwa said any attempts to dodge accountability under the guise of national security were unacceptable, insisting that the inquiry must proceed without interference or intimidation.
“In view of the above, CDEDI contends that Malawi Defence Force (MDF) as a crucial institution entrusted with national security must be among the first to demonstrate accountability to Malawians it was established to serve.
“It is an open secret that for many years, the MDF has largely avoided public scrutiny and transparency in the pretext of safeguarding ‘national security’.Undoubtedly, it is important to safeguard the security of our country, but against legitimate public transparency and accountability on the part of MDF,” said Namiwa.
He said the MDF, as a state institution funded by taxpayers, has a duty to fully account for its role and actions during the events surrounding the June 10, 2024 Chikangawa plane crash that claimed the life of Vice-President Saulos Klaus Chilima and eight others.
According to Namiwa, the ongoing parliamentary ad hoc committee hearings present a rare opportunity for Malawians to get answers and closure on the tragedy, and should not be derailed.
He warned that attempts to intimidate the inquiry or those giving evidence amount to undermining public trust and the democratic process.
Namiwa further argued that national security should never be used to block transparency, saying accountability strengthens institutions rather than weakening them.
“We at CDEDI say no-one, and we emphasise, “no-one”, should be allowed to get away with impunity in the pretext of safeguarding State security. We call for transparency and accountability even from the MDF,” he added.
He urged the committee to follow the evidence without fear or favour, stressing that no individual or institution should be spared if accountability demands it.
Namiwa maintained that Malawians are not looking for excuses but truth and closure, adding that failure to conclude the matter transparently would amount to a waste of public resources.
