by tetmiteo okwakol
Malawi is mourning the tragic loss of Vice-President Saulos Chilima and nine others after their plane was found with no survivors. President Lazarus Chakwera announced the devastating news, confirming that the wreckage of the military aircraft was discovered in Chikangawa Forest. The plane had gone missing on Monday morning during a flight within the country amid bad weather conditions.
Vice-President Chilima, who had served for a decade, and his entourage, including former First Lady Shanil Dzimbiri, were en route to attend the funeral of former government minister Ralph Kasambara. The flight took off from Lilongwe, the capital, and was bound for Mzuzu in the north. Poor visibility forced the plane to turn back, leading to the crash.
President Chakwera expressed deep sorrow, describing Chilima as “a good man,” “a devoted father,” and “a formidable VP.” He highlighted their partnership formed during the 2020 elections, despite coming from different political parties, and praised Chilima for his counsel and dedication. “I consider it one of the great honours of my life to have had him as a deputy and as a counsellor,” Chakwera stated.
The search for the plane involved soldiers scouring the forest overnight and into the morning. The wreckage was found completely destroyed, confirming there were no survivors.
Dr. Chilima, 51, was widely respected and loved, particularly among the youth. His career was not without controversy, as he faced bribery allegations in 2022, which he denied. Last month, the court dropped the charges without explanation.
The remains of Chilima and the other victims are being transported to Lilongwe, with funeral arrangements to be announced soon. Dr. Chilima leaves behind his wife and two children, along with a legacy of public service and a deep connection to the Malawian people.
This tragic event has cast a shadow over the nation, which will observe a National Day of Mourning to honor the victims’ memories and contributions.
Source BBC