The wreckage of a plane carrying Malawi vice-president has been located with no survivors, President Lazarus Chakwera announced. Saulos Chilima and nine others were flying within the country on Monday morning when their military aircraft vanished from airport radar in bad weather. Soldiers searched Chikangawa Forest overnight and into the morning to locate the plane.
During a Tuesday news briefing, President Chakwera confirmed that the Malawi Defence Force had completed the search and rescue operation, finding the aircraft destroyed. He expressed deep sadness over the tragedy, noting that the vice-president, who teamed up with him in an alliance during the 2020 elections, was a devoted father and a formidable deputy. Dr. Chilima, 51, was en route to a former government minister’s burial when the plane, which took off from Lilongwe, failed to reach Mzuzu airport due to poor visibility.
The military is now transporting the remains of Dr. Chilima and the other victims to Lilongwe, with funeral arrangements to be announced. Dr. Chilima, vice-president since 2014, was beloved by many, particularly the youth. Despite being arrested in 2022 on corruption charges, which were later dropped, he maintained his popularity. He is survived by his wife, Mary, and two children, Sean and Elizabeth.
President Lazarus Chakwera highlighted the profound impact Dr. Saulos Chilima had on Malawi, emphasizing his dedication and integrity despite the challenges he faced. Dr. Chilima’s untimely death has sent shockwaves throughout the nation, with many citizens and political leaders expressing their condolences and reflecting on his contributions to the country.
The vice-president’s collaboration with President Chakwera in the 2020 elections was seen as a significant political development, bringing together different parties to form a united front. This alliance was crucial in their victory and subsequent efforts to address the country’s economic and social issues. Dr. Chilima was known for his forward-thinking policies and his commitment to improving the lives of Malawians, making his loss even more poignant.
As the country mourns, attention turns to the ongoing investigation into the crash. Authorities are working to determine the cause of the accident, with preliminary reports suggesting that adverse weather conditions played a significant role. The government has vowed to conduct a thorough investigation to prevent such tragedies in the future.
In the meantime, national mourning has been declared, and flags are flying at half-mast in honor of Dr. Chilima and the other victims of the crash. Memorial services and tributes are being organized across the country, allowing citizens to pay their respects and celebrate the lives of those who perished.
Dr. Chilima’s legacy will undoubtedly endure, particularly among the youth who saw him as a symbol of hope and progress. His vision for a better Malawi, characterized by transparency, accountability, and development, remains a guiding light for many.
As the nation comes to terms with this loss, President Chakwera and the government face the dual challenge of honoring Dr. Chilima’s memory while continuing to pursue the goals they set out together. The coming days will be a period of reflection and solidarity for Malawi, united in grief but also in the shared commitment to the values Dr. Chilima championed.
