One of Malawi’s longest-serving Governance and Human Rights Advocate Undule Mwakasungula has faulted the decision by human rights activist and government critic, Sylvester Namiwa, to resign from the Commission of Inquiry on the plane crash that claimed the life of former State Vice President, Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima, and eight others.

On Thursday afternoon, Malawians were greeted with news about the resignation of Namiwa from the Commission barely two days after taking his oath of office. He complained that his views were not being considered.

Among others, Namiwa wanted the inquiry to be broadcast live. But majority of the Commissioners did not agree with this arrangement, prompting Namiwa to leave.

But reacting to the development, Mwakasungula described the reasons Namiwa gave for his resignation as lacking, saying this has left has many Malawians, including himself [Mwakasungula] surprised. He wondered why in the first place the Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) executive director accepted the position and even took an oath to serve.

“So his decision to leave has left people wondering about his commitment.  Mr. Namiwa has always been outspoken on important issues, and he advocated strongly for the Commission to be set up in the first place. In fact, he was one of the loudest voices pushing for the inquiry, even threatening to demonstrate when there were delays in forming it. Now that the Commission is finally established and he was appointed as a member, his decision to step away feels inconsistent with his earlier position,” reacted Mwakasungula.

According to Mwakasungula, many Malawians hoped that Namiwa’s participation in the Commission would add value as he has been very vocal about the events surrounding the crash.

He said the information Namiwa would have provided could have contributed to fuller understanding of what happened.

“As a commissioner, he would have had the chance to ask questions, and bring forward the concerns he has raised in the past.  In choosing to leave, Mr. Namiwa I feel has missed an opportunity to serve Malawian. Stepping down at this point also limits Mr. Namiwa’s influence. While he could continue to speak from outside the Commission, his impact might have been stronger from within. Serving on the Commission would have allowed him to engage fully in the process and contribute to the final findings. Now, any criticisms he will make from outside will lack the weight and authority  than had he remained part of the commission.  This is disappointing because it would have been better for him to work towards solutions from inside, rather than pointing fingers from the outside,” he said.

“Mr. Namiwa’s choice to leave the Commission I feel was done in a hurry and emotional without clear reflection of the impact. It may be viewed by some as unpatriotic, as if he is running away from his duty to serve Malawians.  Important to emphasize that leaders who accept public roles should be willing to see them through, especially in matters that are as sensitive and important as this inquiry.

“Despite his resignation, I hope Mr. Namiwa will still be open to helping the Commission as an information source. He has been outspoken about the crash and information he has could help the investigation. It is not a secret this plane crash tragedy has divided the country and  increased mistrust hence  the Commission’s work is very important for the healing and unity of our country.  The Commission’s findings and recommendations therefore could bring closure to the victims’ families and to all Malawians. The report will help us understand what happened and how we could prevent similar incidents in the future,” concluded Mwakasungula.