CDEDI demands fresh inquiry on Chikangawa MDF plane crash before perpetrators’ arrests

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LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The country’s civil rights group Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) has formally called on President Arthur Peter Mutharika to take decisive action on the June 10, 2024 Malawi Defence Force (MDF) plane crash at Chikangawa in Nkhata Bay, demanding a fresh inquest into the tragic incident.

Addressing the news conference on Tuesday, January 2026 CDEDI executive director Sylvester Namiwa disclosed the grouping has written Mutharika urging him to act on recommendations earlier presented by the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Charles Mhango, shortly after assuming office.

Namiwa in the red addressing the news conference

The organisation wants a renewed and independent probe into the circumstances surrounding the crash of the Dornier 228 aircraft (MAF-TO3), which claimed the lives of nine people, including the Vice President, a former First Lady, senior government officials and members of the MDF and Malawi Police Service.

CDEDI argues that Malawians voted President Mutharika into office with the hope that his administration would help the nation find closure by uncovering the truth behind what it describes as the country’s most devastating aircraft accident.

According to the organisation, the commission of inquiry appointed by former president Lazarus Chakwera failed to provide satisfactory answers and was widely rejected by the public, with some viewing it as an attempt to conceal the truth.

The pressure group says families and friends of the victims, both locally and abroad, continue to suffer unresolved pain, which can only be healed by a comprehensive, credible and transparent report that fully accounts for events before, during and after the crash.

CDEDI maintains that only such a process can provide genuine closure and restore public trust.
The organisation further notes growing calls in some quarters for criminal investigations, alleging that the then Malawi Congress Party (MCP) led administration attempted to force acceptance of what critics termed a “sham” report.

Among the concerns raised is the claim that former president Chakwera reportedly learned of the crash from a neighbouring head of state minutes after it occurred, rather than from officials within his own government and that there was a 12-hour delay before an official announcement was made to the nation.

CDEDI says experts have suggested that any fresh probe should begin with examining the final communication between the pilot, the late Flora Selemani and a senior officer at Zomba Airbase.

It also questions several public statements made during the search and rescue phase, including updates from the former army chief and appeals by the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority, describing them as potentially criminal in nature.

The organisation has also raised concern over the suspension of search efforts in the evening, alleged obstruction of access to the crash site and unresolved technical questions from aircraft experts in Germany, including reports that the plane made a 360 degree turn before crashing.

CDEDI says a forensic audit should have followed the expert report to clarify these issues and determine who authorised the use of an aircraft that was later described as a flight risk.

While acknowledging President Mutharika’s earlier assurance that the Justice Minister was reviewing the rejected report, CDEDI says public patience is wearing thin as days have turned into weeks without concrete action.

The Maravi Post

Museveni extends 40-year rule after winning contested elections: UgandaDecides2026

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KAMPALA-(MaraviPost)-Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has been declared the winner of Thursday’s election extending his four decades in power by another five years.

He gained 72% of the vote, the election commission announced, against 25% for his closest challenger Bobi Wine, who has condemned what he described as “fake results” and “ballot stuffing”.

Wine has not provided any details and the authorities have not responded to his allegations, but African Union election observers said they saw “no evidence of ballot stuffing”.

Wine has called for non-violent protests.

Museveni, 81, first came to power as a rebel leader in 1986 but since then has won seven elections.

The election process was marred by violence and Wine, a 43-year-old former pop star, says that at least 21 people have been killed around the country in recent days.

The authorities have so far confirmed seven deaths.

Access to the internet has been cut in the country since Tuesday, making it hard to verify information.

The authorities say the blackout was necessary to prevent misinformation, fraud and the incitement of violence – a move condemned by the UN human rights office as “deeply worrying”.

Wine has demanded that the internet be restored.

Leading the African Union observer mission, Nigeria’s former President Goodluck Jonathan told journalists that “the government should refrain from the suspension of internet access” close to the election.

Jonathan also denounced “reports of intimidation, arrest and abductions” saying they “instilled fear and eroded public trust in the electoral process”, AFP news agency reports.

Source: BBC

The Maravi Post

Museveni, Bobi Wine’s final stand: Ugandans to decide tommorow amid Internet shutdown

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KAMPALA-(MaraviPost)-President Museveni held his last rally at Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala, showcasing the unwavering love and support of Ugandans.

Party supporters think and believe Museveni will win, as the affection Ugandans have for him mirrors the devotion Kenyans had for Raila Amolo Odinga.

Museveni declared in his final rally that Bobi Wine had planned to rig the election using hackers from the West, but unfortunately for him, his team is far ahead of the game.

However, Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, has once again emerged as Uganda President Yoweri Museveni’s main challenger.

Bobi Wine, a pop star-turned-politician, has become a symbol of hope for Uganda’s youth, who make up over 80% of the population, and is determined to challenge Museveni’s nearly 40-year rule.

He has driven himself to risk everything in taking on the long-serving president, citing issues of youth joblessness, corruption, and authoritarian rule.

Bobi Wine’s National Unity Platform (NUP) has gained significant traction, especially among young people in urban areas, and has become the strongest challenger to Museveni’s rule.

Despite facing repeated arrests, beatings, and threats, Bobi Wine remains committed to bringing democratic reforms and ending Museveni’s rule.

His campaign focuses on addressing the pressing issues facing Uganda’s youth, who are eager for change and economic opportunities.

Museveni, on the other hand, has been in power since 1986 and has maintained a tight grip on Uganda, often using tactics to suppress opposition and dissent.

The upcoming election is shaping up to be a crucial test of Uganda’s democratic process, with Bobi Wine’s challenge posing a significant threat to Museveni’s rule.

As the country heads towards the polls, the world is watching closely to see whether Uganda will continue on its current path or embark on a new journey towards democracy and reform.

The Maravi Post

Mutharika performance appraisal in 100 days: A leader of action and vision

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…Scores (8.7/10)…

President Arthur Peter Mutharika has demonstrated commendable leadership, tackling Malawi’s pressing challenges with a mix of empathy, strategic thinking, and proactive engagement.

His tenure has been marked by efforts to stabilize the economy, address food insecurity, promote national unity, and support vulnerable groups.

Economic Recovery and Development
President Mutharika’s administration is prioritizing economic recovery, focusing on declining inflation, easing fuel shortages, and reducing power outages.

He’s introducing measures like open tenders for fuel imports, scaling up the Mpatamanga Hydropower Project, and reforming the mining sector.

The President’s engagement with international partners, like the IMF and World Bank, shows proactive leadership in tackling economic challenges.

Initiatives like the reformed Constituency Development Fund (CDF) and reduced fertilizer prices aim to support citizens and promote growth.

Food Security and Humanitarian Support
President Mutharika acknowledges hunger as a major challenge and has initiated food distribution in affected areas.

He’s committed to ensuring adequate food supply at ADMARC and addressing farm input resources.

The President’s administration has allocated K5 billion to each constituency for grassroots development, showing commitment to inclusive growth.

National Unity and Governance
President Mutharika emphasizes unity and collective action for peace, stability, and development in Malawi and the SADC region.

He’s urged his cabinet to deliver results, not rewards, emphasizing integrity and service.

The President’s merit-based cabinet appointments have been commended, reflecting his focus on effective governance.

Support for Veterans and Citizens
President Mutharika honors war veterans, pledging support for their welfare and improving accommodation.

He’s shown compassion and support for bereaved families, like covering funeral expenses for young artists.

The President’s messages of hope, unity, and resilience during the festive season demonstrate his connection with citizens.

International Leadership and Cooperation
President Mutharika’s leadership in SADC emphasizes regional cooperation, peace, and stability. He’s engaged with international partners to address Malawi’s challenges, like fuel scarcity and forex unavailability.

Overall Appraisal
The President’s efforts to address national challenges, promote economic recovery, and support citizens demonstrate a strong commitment to Malawi’s development, unity, and prosperity, earning him an overall rating of 8.7/10.

Areas for Improvement
While President Mutharika’s initiatives are commendable, sustained efforts are needed to deliver tangible results on economic recovery and food security, enhance transparency and accountability in governance, and address pressing issues like fuel shortages and forex challenges.

Conclusion
President Arthur Peter Mutharika’s leadership shows a proactive and visionary approach to tackling Malawi’s challenges. With continued focus on economic recovery, national unity, and citizen welfare, he is poised to drive Malawi’s development and growth.

The Maravi Post

Bobi Wine’s final push: NUP supporters brave rains for Kampala rally

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KAMPALA-(MaraviPost)-National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters showed their unwavering dedication to their leader, Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, alias Bobi Wine, by braving the afternoon rains at the NUP’s Kampala Central rally.

The event marked a crucial moment in the presidential campaigns, which will conclude on Tuesday, 13 January.

The rally, held in the heart of Kampala, demonstrated the strong support base of Bobi Wine, who is challenging incumbent President Yoweri Museveni in the upcoming elections.

Despite the inclement weather, supporters gathered in large numbers, waving national flags and chanting slogans in support of their candidate.

Bobi Wine’s campaign has been marked by a strong emphasis on protest and resistance, with his supporters using the national flag as a symbol of their movement.

This has led to tensions with security forces, who have been accused of targeting flag-carrying supporters at rallies.

The election is seen as a crucial moment for Uganda, with many young people looking for change and an end to Museveni’s long-standing rule.

Bobi Wine, 43, has positioned himself as a champion of the youth and a voice for those seeking reform ¹ ².

As the campaigns draw to a close, the stage is set for a highly contested election.

With voting scheduled to take place on Thursday, 15 January, Ugandans will head to the polls to decide their future.

The Maravi Post

Supreme Court hands tied to grant MCP’s SG Chimwendo Banda bail: To face court after health improvement

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LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The state is ready to take Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Secretary General Richard Chimwendo Banda to court once his health improves, according to Dzikondianthu Malunda, Director of Litigation in the Ministry of Justice.

Malunda told Maravi Post that Chimwendo Banda is currently receiving medical care, and it’s reported that his health is not in good shape.

“It will be inhumane to drag a sick person to court,” Malunda said, indicating that the state is waiting for Chimwendo Banda’s health to improve before proceeding with the case.

Chimwendo Banda’s lawyer, Khwima Mchizi, confirmed that his client’s health is indeed not satisfactory.

Chimwendo Banda handed himself over to the police on December 12, and he is currently awaiting a bail ruling from the court.

The MCP Secretary General is facing murder charges, and the state’s decision to wait for his health improvement before taking him to court reflects a balance between ensuring justice is served and respecting the rights of the accused.

The case has garnered significant attention in Malawi, with many following the developments closely. The MCP has been vocal about Chimwendo Banda’s situation, and the party’s supporters are eagerly awaiting the outcome of the case.

As the situation unfolds, the court is expected to deliver a ruling on Chimwendo Banda’s bail application, which will determine whether he will be granted bail or remain in custody until the trial begins.

The state’s readiness to proceed with the case once Chimwendo Banda’s health improves underscores its commitment to ensuring that justice is served, regardless of the accused’s health status or political affiliation.

The case against Chimwendo Banda serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring accountability for one’s actions, even for those in positions of influence or leadership.

As the people of Malawi await the next developments in the case, it is clear that the outcome will have significant implications for the country’s political landscape and the pursuit of justice.

In related news, the MCP has expressed concerns about the treatment of Chimwendo Banda while in custody, calling for transparency and fairness in the handling of the case.

The party’s leadership has also urged supporters to remain calm and peaceful, emphasizing the importance of respecting the rule of law and allowing the judicial process to take its course.

As the story continues to unfold, Maravipost will provide updates and insights into the case, ensuring that our readers are informed about the latest developments.

The Maravi Post