Namiwa resigns from commission of inquiry
Namiwa: This decision is in line with principles of transparency
Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) executive director, Sylvester Namiwa has resigned from the Commission of Inquiry investigating the Malawi Air Force aircraft accident that killed former vice president, Saulos Chilima and 8 others.
“This decision is in line with principles of transparency and accountability, stemming from the fact that given the magnitude and the huge expectations of the much-awaited commission, it was my conviction that witness testimonies, as part of the inquest, would be held publicly,” reads part of the statement Namiwa has written to President Lazarus Chakwera.
He added that the Terms of Reference (ToRs) for the commission and the Commissions of Inquiry Act both support open testimony, underscoring his concerns about the current direction of the commission’s work.
“The same was demanded by the bereaved families, in a bid to enhance trust and confidence, after the citizenry questioned the composition of the commission,” he wrote.
Namiwa also pointed to the commission’s early decision to dismiss a proposal for transparency as a troubling sign.
“It is strange that the commission, which is standing on a thin line of trust, should take such a route,” he stated, questioning whether the taxpayer-funded commission intends to withhold information from the public.
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