Lusaka, Monday, March 11, 2019: The crash of the Ethiopian Flight 302 on Sunday March 10, enroute to Nairobi from Addis Ababa has sent shockwaves across the COMESA region. As one of the biggest regional carriers, ET connects COMESA Member States and the region to the world thus immensely contributing to regional integration.

Hundreds of delegates attending COMESA meetings and staff travelling on duty use this airline almost on day to day basis.

The deep sense of loss was palpable as COMESA came to terms with the tragic accident that took away the lives of 157 people, with Kenya taking the hardest hit, losing 32 of her citizens and Ethiopia losing nine. Egypt, Djibouti, Rwanda, Uganda, Sudan and Somalia are the other COMESA States which had citizens on board the ill-fated plane.

In a message of condolences to the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, H.E. Abiy Ahmed, Secretary General Chileshe Mpundu Kapwepwe expressed deep sadness and solidarity with the victims of the tragedy:

“At this difficult moment, as you search for answers on what could have caused the accident, COMESA shares your grief and that of all the countries affected by this tragedy.”