Memorial Division? Chilima Family, Chakwera Hold Separate Ceremonies

As Malawi marks one year since the tragic death of former Vice President Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima, questions have emerged over why separate memorial ceremonies are being held by President Lazarus Chakwera and the late VP’s family.

Dr. Chilima, who was also UTM party president, died in a military plane crash on June 10, 2024, in Chikangawa Forest, alongside eight others. One year later, the memorial event meant to honor his life and those lost in the tragedy is now drawing public scrutiny due to divided observances.

According to a program released by the Chilima family, the main memorial ceremony is being held in Nsipe, Ntcheu the late VP’s home village. Several political parties, including UTM and DPP, are scheduled to speak.

However, the ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP), which Chilima was in an alliance with during his tenure, was notably not given a speaking slot.

Meanwhile, President Chakwera is attending a separate memorial event at Lunjika Turn-Off in Mzimba, where the plane carrying Chilima went missing. While government sources say the president’s event is meant to honor all nine crash victims, critics online have described the split as a “symbol of disunity” and a missed opportunity to demonstrate national cohesion.

On social media, some Malawians have expressed concern over the apparent rift between the state and the Chilima family, with many asking why the President is not attending the main family-led event in Nsipe. Others argue that the two ceremonies should have been merged to reflect unity and collective national grief.

The divergence in ceremonies comes amid continued calls for transparency surrounding the cause of the plane crash, with many still awaiting the official report on what led to the fatal accident.

For now, what was intended as a solemn day of unity and remembrance has also become a subject of public conversation, exposing underlying political tensions and unresolved grief.