The wreckage of a plane carrying Malawi’s Vice President Saulos Chilima has been found with no survivors, President Lazarus Chakwera announced on Tuesday.
The nation is in mourning as it comes to terms with the loss of its vice-president and nine others who perished in the crash.
The aircraft, a military plane, vanished from airport radars on Monday morning while on a domestic flight. The passengers included Vice President Chilima, former First Lady Shanil Dzimbiri, and several other officials.
The flight, which had departed from the capital city of Lilongwe, was headed to Mzuzu in the northern part of the country but encountered severe weather conditions.
The disappearance triggered an extensive search operation by soldiers who scoured the Chikangawa Forest throughout the night and into the following morning. The plane was ultimately discovered, completely destroyed, leaving no hope for survivors.
During a somber news briefing, President Chakwera expressed his profound sorrow over the incident. “I am deeply saddened and sorry to inform Malawians of this terrible tragedy,” he said.
The President recounted how the Malawi Defence Force commander had confirmed the end of the search and rescue mission, marking a tragic conclusion to the efforts.
Vice President Chilima, 51, had formed a pivotal alliance with President Chakwera in the 2020 elections, despite coming from different political parties.
President Chakwera paid a heartfelt tribute to his late deputy, praising him as “a good man”, “devoted father”, and “formidable VP”. He remarked, “I consider it one of the great honours of my life to have had him as a deputy and as a counsellor.”
Dr. Chilima was en route to represent the government at the funeral of former government minister Ralph Kasambara, who had passed away four days earlier.
The ill-fated flight was forced to turn back due to poor visibility conditions, a decision that tragically did not prevent the disaster.
Dr. Chilima leaves behind a grieving family, including his wife and two children. The nation joins them in mourning the loss of a dedicated leader and public servant. The deaths of the other passengers, including the esteemed former First Lady Shanil Dzimbiri, add to the country’s collective sorrow.
As Malawi comes to terms with this devastating loss, messages of condolence and solidarity are pouring in from around the world. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the perils faced by those in service to their nation.
President Chakwera’s words resonate deeply with all Malawians: “We have lost not only a leader but a friend and a guiding light.”
Credit: BBC
