Diplomats caution on VP death conspiracy theories

Diplomats have cautioned against a wave of conspiracy theories surrounding the Malawi Defence Force plane crash that killed Vice-President Saulos Chilima and eight others on Monday.

The diplomats say the assertations have potential to create tension as such they have called for restraint among political leaders and citizens to ensure peace and stability.

Zimbabwe Ambassador Nancy Saungweme raised the fears at a meeting in Lilongwe yesterday to strategise on the support the respective foreign governments can provide to Malawi following the tragedy.

In an interview after the meeting, she said the conspiracy theories were worrisome.

Saungweme, who is head of the diplomatic corps in the country, said: “We are worried about these conspiracies. We accept that we are human beings and we have got our own conspiracy theories. But this is a crucial issue. It needs God to get into it.”

Chilima died alongside eight others on Monday after a military aircraft they were travelling in crashed in Viphya Highlands in Mzimba on Monday after it was reportedly stopped from landing at Mzuzu Airport due to poor weather.

Some of the theories attribute the plane crash to suspected foul play.

But Saungweme observed that the theories could be mounting due to the electoral atmosphere as the country is in currently is scheduled to hold Genera Elections  next year.

She said: “This unfortunate incident has happened during the time of elections when people are doing a lot of moving around to look for votes.

“If something like that happened in any country there would be such reactions.”

Saungweme said the diplomatic community is committed to supporting the country to sustain peace and stability.

Kingdom of Morocco Deputy Ambassador Jaouad Lahjili described the diplomats’ meeting  as critical.