A fresh inquiry into Malawi’s 2024 plane crash must prioritise independence and technical credibility if it is to restore public confidence, political analyst Undule Mwakasungula has said, as the country moves to revisit investigations into the tragedy that killed Vice President Saulos Klaus Chilima and eight others.

Speaking on the decision by President Peter Mutharika to order a new probe, Mwakasungula said the key test for the commission will be whether it operates free from political influence. He warned that while the move reflects public demand for accountability and closure for victims’ families, any perception of political interference could undermine the legitimacy of the findings.

He said the investigation should not simply revisit previous reports but must close remaining gaps around accountability, aviation safety standards, and institutional oversight. He added that strengthening safety regulations would be critical to preventing similar national tragedies in the future.

Mwakasungula also noted that the international community will closely watch how Malawi handles the inquiry, as its transparency and professionalism could shape regional and global confidence in the country’s governance systems.

Overall, he said the inquiry represents both an opportunity for justice and a test of Malawi’s institutional maturity, particularly as political tensions and election cycles heighten scrutiny of state decisions.

–ChannelAfrica–