The Robert F. Kennedy Memorial expresses its great sorrow today for the passing of Chakufwa Chihana. Indeed that sorrow is felt in solidarity with all those who support freedom; in Malawi, the United States and around the world. Particularly we would like to express our condolences to Mrs. Christina Chihana, her son Enock and two daughters Nina and Tawonga and the rest of the Chihana family

Chakufwa Chihana lived a heroic life and today rests among the pantheon of courageous human rights defenders that have come and went before him. Robert Kennedy once said “I believe that in this generation those with the courage to enter the moral conflict will find themselves with companions in every corner of the world.” Chakufwa had many friends, indeed an entire nation yearning for freedom, as he returned from exile to Malawi for the struggle of his life in April of 1992.

The moral courage Chakufwa demonstrated stepping off of that plane in the face of the oppression he opposed in his beloved homeland, defined the movement for democracy across the African continent in the 1990’s. His commitment to the ideals of multiparty democracy and human freedom served as a clarion call despite the tragedies and setbacks he faced. Such misfortune would have broken a lesser man. His utter determination, defying the oppressive jailing after jailing, all for the sake of a government that represented and respected the dignity of his fellow Malawians, whom he loved dearly, serves as an example to all those who hold such freedoms close to their hearts.

In spite of all the adversity he faced and his own personal sacrifice, Chakufwa remained strong. Along the way the RFK Memorial did what it could to help Chakufwa, calling on non-government organizations, labor groups like the AFL-CIO and members of the governments of Canada and the United States to join in solidarity and support multiparty democracy in Malawi and to tie government assistance from the United States on Chakufwa’s release from prison.

In the end it was really his courage and call for justice that moved a nation. Across Malawi men and women rose up and demanded elections and Chakufwa’s release. He went on to lead the Alliance for Democracy, to win a seat in the Parliament and to even serve his people as Vice President.

As much as his passing may pain us, we would do well to remember this man and the ideals he represented; that we all deserve the respect of our government and that should have a role in determining our own futures.

Upon the death of another great patriot and patron of freedom, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Robert F. Kennedy quoted his favorite poet, Aeschylus.

“In our sleep, pain which cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart until, in our own despair, against our will, comes wisdom through the awful grace of God.”

May we all learn from the wisdom that Chakufwa Chihana bestowed upon us.