By Vincent Gunde
The newly launched political party, People’s Development Party (PDP), has demanded more clarity from the Malawi Government regarding reports that the Malawi Defence Force (MDF) aircraft which carried the state Vice President Dr. Saulosi Chilima has gone missing.
PDP has claims to have seen a press release about the missing aircraft issued by the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) but feels that the information contained in the said press release is scanty,providing limited information about the incident something that is raising concerns and questions regarding transparency and accountability with the Government.
In a statement dated 10th June, 2024, PDP President Dr. Kondwani Nankhumwa, saya expresses fears that without significant information, the public and media may struggle to understand the circumstances surrounding the missing of the aircraft.
“It is also extremely concerning that the said press release should be coming out 6 hours after the alleged missing of the aircraft,” says Nankhumwa in statement.
He has however, asked President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera to immediately address the nation on the matter, as a matter of urgency calling for the government to provide clear and transparent information for accountability and transparency.
A statement released by OPC dated 10th June, 2024 signed by the Secretary to the President and Cabinet (SPC) Colleen Zamba, informed the general public that the MDF Aircraft that left Lilongwe on Monday 10th June, 2024 at 09;17 hours carrying Dr. Saulosi Chilima, and 9 others, has failed to make its scheduled landing at Mzuzu International Airport at 10;02 hours.
The OPC said all efforts by aviation authorities to make contact with the Aircraft since it went off the radar have failed.
The statement added that President Chakwera has ordered all regional and national agencies to conduct an immediate search and rescue operation to locate the whereabouts of the Aircraft advising the public that they will be updated of any developments on the situation as facts are established.
