Malawi has been plunged into a state of national mourning following the confirmation that Vice President Saulos Chilima and nine other passengers have died in a devastating military plane crash.
The aircraft, a Malawi Defence Force Dornier 228, vanished from radar on Monday morning during what was intended to be a short 45-minute flight from the capital, Lilongwe, to the northern city of Mzuzu. The flight was forced to turn back due to poor visibility and was subsequently given clearance to land in the capital.
It never arrived.
A Desperate Search in Chilling Conditions
A massive search and rescue operation was immediately launched, facing immense challenges from thick fog and dense forestry in the Chikangawa mountain range. After more than 24 hours of searching, the wreckage was tragically discovered in a remote, forested area near the town of Nthalire.
President Lazarus Chakwera, addressing the nation in a sombre televised speech, confirmed the worst. "The search and rescue team has found the aircraft near a hill… they have found it completely destroyed with no survivors," he stated, his voice heavy with grief.
A Nation Mourns a Rising Political Star
The death of Vice President Chilima, aged 51, represents a profound loss for the southern African nation. A charismatic and influential figure, he was seen as a key player in the country's political landscape. First elected vice president in 2014, he was known for his anti-corruption stance and had formed a pivotal alliance with President Chakwera in the 2020 election.
Also among the victims was the former first lady, Shanil Dzimbiri, who was the wife of former President Bakili Muluzi.
Investigation Launched as World Leaders Offer Condolences
President Chakwera has declared a period of national mourning and announced that an investigation will be conducted to determine the cause of the catastrophic crash. The international community has begun to respond, with leaders from across Africa and beyond expressing their shock and offering heartfelt condolences to the people of Malawi and the families of the victims.
The nation now unites in grief, remembering a leader whose life was cut tragically short.
