Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga attended the funeral of Malawi’s Vice President Saulos Chilima in Lilongwe, where he called for African leaders to unite and ensure the continent gets its fair share of global resources.
At the service, held at Bingu National Stadium on Monday, Odinga conveyed condolences from Kenyan President William Ruto and expressed solidarity with Malawians.
He praised Chilima as a visionary leader whose impact went beyond Malawi.
The ODM leader urged African leaders to fight for the continent’s rights, citing issues like climate change and resource distribution.
According to him, he envisions a united, borderless Africa that trades within itself and speaks with one voice on the global stage.
“I want to see a day when Africa, the richest continent on earth, will be able to speak with one voice and ensure that our people get their rightful share. We aren’t begging for charity but demanding fairness,” he stated.
“We want to see Africans add value to raw materials and earn respect. We want to see that we can expand trade among our people. That we don’t need a visa to go to Malawi or Zambia. Africa will stand together,” he added.
He criticised Western nations for exploiting Africa and stressed the need for compensation for climate change impacts.
“Africans are bearing the brunt of climate change. I see that there has been drought in this part of Africa. In East Africa, there are floods.
“This is the effect of climate change for which Africa has contributed very little but is suffering the worst. Africa needs to unite and negotiate so that it can be compensated,” he said.
During the funeral, other dignitaries, including officials from Mozambique, Tanzania, and Zambia, paid their respects. Chilima was remembered by his family as a dedicated leader and a humble, religious man. The family called for an investigation into the plane crash.
Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera described Chilima as a true patriot. Chilima will be buried in his home district of Nsipe Ntcheu.