Malawi Vice President Saulos Chilima is missing: Plane disappeared on the way to the funeral

Malawi Vice President Saulos Chilima is missing: Plane disappeared on the way to the funeral

In a worrying development, the plane carrying Malawi Vice President Saulos Chilima along with nine other people has gone missing. The flight, operated by the Malawi Defense Force, departed from the capital Lilongwe on Monday morning but failed to reach its scheduled destination at Mzuzu International Airport.

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Disappearance: Details of the missing plane

President Lazarus Chakwera addressed the nation, revealing that adverse weather conditions prevented the plane from landing, forcing the pilot to attempt to return. However, soon after, the plane disappeared from radar, making it impossible for authorities to establish contact.

Presidential Response: Search and rescue efforts have been initiated

Responding quickly to the crisis, President Chakwera initiated a comprehensive search and rescue operation, involving both national and regional agencies. Despite the challenges posed by the rough terrain and dense jungle in northern Malawi, efforts to locate the missing plane have continued. “The troops are still carrying out a search on the ground and I have given strict orders that this operation will continue until the plane is found,” he said, adding that it was a “heartbreaking situation.”

“I know that we are all scared and worried – I am worried too. But I want to assure you that I will spare no resources at my disposal to find that plane and I am holding out some small hope that we will find survivors.” he added.

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Vice President Saulos Chilima: Background and current situation

The missing Vice President, Saulos Chilima, has been a prominent figure in Malawi’s political scene for a decade. He is 51 years old, married and has two children. He holds a PhD in Knowledge Management. Previously involved in the telecommunications sector, Chilima’s career turned to politics, culminating in the role of Vice President. However, his tenure was not without controversy, as he faced corruption charges in 2022. Although the charges were later dropped, these events still left their mark in Malawi’s political arena.

Search operations: Intensive efforts to locate the aircraft

As the search continues, authorities remain hopeful but vigilant. Confirming the fate of the plane remains paramount, which would mean shutting down the country in the midst of this tragic ordeal. The Government of Malawi is asking for assistance from neighboring countries and international partners due to the urgency and severity of the situation. “The airport where he landed, north of Mzuzu, is the closest airport to where the funeral took place,” Mr Kunkuyu said.

In the wake of this crisis, Malawi mourns the loss of Vice President Saulos Chilima and other passengers on the ill-fated flight. The consequences of this incident will certainly leave a big impact on the whole country, raising questions about the safety and security of air travel.

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