The final report from Germany’s Federal Bureau of Aircraft Accident Investigation (BFU) on the plane crash that killed former Vice President Dr. Saulos Chilima and eight others on June 10, 2024, was expected to bring closure to grieving families and the nation at large. Instead, the release of the report on June 7 — just three days before the first anniversary of the accident — has reignited divisions on how the commemoration should proceed.

Split Memorials

President Lazarus Chakwera is leading the official memorial ceremony at Lunjika Turnoff in Mzimba, near the crash site in Nthungwa, Viphya Plantations. Meanwhile, the Chilima family has organized a separate event at Nsipe, his burial site, arguing that their late relative deserves to be honored where he rests.

Family spokesperson Joshua Valera defended the decision, stating, “Our loved one can best be honored by holding a memorial at his burial site.” However, government spokesperson Moses Kunkuyu emphasized the need for an inclusive commemoration for all victims.

The UTM Party, which Chilima led, has also opted for its own memorial in Ntcheu, with spokesperson Felix Njawala explaining, “We are holding the memorial where our late leader was laid to rest.”

Each side presents a valid argument, yet one year later, it is evident that the nation remains deeply divided over the legacy of Chilima, a charismatic leader who once inspired many.

Crash Investigation Findings

The BFU report confirms that human error and poor decision-making, combined with bad weather, were responsible for the crash. However, Njawala and the UTM party remain unconvinced, demanding further clarification on why communication between pilots and air traffic controllers was lacking.

According to investigators, the accident occurred due to:

• Poor flight planning and decision-making by the crew
• Flying under visual flight rules (VFR) in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), leading to a collision with rising terrain
• Failure to obtain updated weather briefings
• Inadequate flight preparation

The report avoids pointing fingers, instead focusing on recommendations to prevent future tragedies, including:

• Mandatory flight data recorders on government aircraft
• Stricter pilot training on situational awareness and IMC navigation
• Enhanced meteorological briefings before flights
• Improved regulatory oversight of flight operations

Victims’ families are still reviewing the findings before issuing statements, while Malawi’s aviation authorities have pledged to study the recommendations and implement necessary reforms.

Lingering Divisions and Political Fallout

Political and social commentators have expressed disappointment over the fractured memorial services, attributing them to political differences. Analysts Victor Chipofya and Lucky Mbewe argue that political tensions have complicated efforts to coordinate a unified event, further deepening divisions among Chilima’s supporters, the government, and the UTM Party.

The UTM Party withdrew from its coalition with Chakwera’s Malawi Congress Party (MCP) soon after Chilima’s death, citing dissatisfaction with the government’s response to the crash and rescue efforts.

As the commemoration unfolds, it is clear that the rift between Chilima’s family, the MCP-led government, and the UTM Party is far from over — a lasting political feud shaped by grief, unanswered questions, and shifting alliances.

Other Victims of the Crash

The tragedy claimed nine lives, including: former First Lady Shanil Dzimbiri, Lukas Kapheni – Chilima’s guard commander, Chisomo Chimaneni – Aide-de-camp, Dan Kanyemba – a medical officer, Abdul Lapukeni – a civil servant, Major Wales Aidini – flight engineer, Colonel Owen Sambalopa  chief pilot and Flora Selemani Ngwirinji – co-pilot

One year later, Malawi remembers those lost — but not in unity. As a nation, we needed to move on - in unity for the departed souls to rest in peace.