Malawi Vice President Saulos Chilima and nine others perished in a plane crash in northern Malawi. The incident occurred in bad weather, and the wreckage was found in the Chikangawa Forest. President Lazarus Chakwera and international figures have expressed deep condolences, and the nation observes a 21-day mourning period.
In a devastating turn of events, Malawi Vice President Saulos Chilima, along with nine others, lost their lives in a plane crash. The crash occurred in the mountainous Chikangawa Forest in northern Malawi. The country is in mourning as it grapples with the loss of its vice president and other citizens.
The plane carrying Vice President Saulos Chilima and nine others crashed in the Chikangawa Forest after failing to land at Mzuzu International Airport due to poor visibility. The search and rescue operation, which lasted over 24 hours, ended tragically with the discovery of the wreckage, which was described as 'completely destroyed'. President Lazarus Chakwera, in a national address, confirmed the deaths and expressed profound sorrow over the incident[1].
Following the tragedy, the Malawian government has declared a 21-day national mourning period. Tributes poured in from various quarters, including from international leaders. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres expressed his condolences, highlighting the global impact of the loss. President Chakwera paid tribute to Chilima, describing him as a devoted family man and a patriotic citizen who served his country with distinction[2].
Saulos Chilima, aged 51 at the time of his death, had a significant political and corporate background. Before his vice presidency, he was the head of Airtel Malawi and later entered politics where he served as vice president under two different administrations. His political journey was marked by his efforts to combat corruption and his pivotal role in the historic election rerun in 2020, which was a landmark in Malawi's democratic process[3].
The tragic death of Vice President Saulos Chilima has left a void in the heart of Malawi. As the nation mourns, it also reflects on his contributions to the country's political landscape and his efforts to foster transparency and integrity in governance. The coming days will be a time of reflection and mourning as the nation comes together to honor his legacy.
"Words cannot describe how heartbreaking this is." - President Lazarus Chakwera