In a devastating blow to the nation, Malawi’s President Lazarus Chakwera announced that Vice President Saulos Chilima, his wife, and eight others were tragically killed in a plane crash on Monday. The military aircraft carrying them went down in the Chikangawa forest, with no survivors found.
The crash occurred shortly after the military aircraft, a twin-engine Dornier 228-202K, took off from the capital, Lilongwe, at 9:17 a.m. local time. The plane was en route to Mzuzu in northern Malawi but was redirected back to the capital due to poor weather conditions. It vanished from radar shortly afterward, prompting an extensive search and rescue operation led by the Malawi Defense Force and supported by neighboring countries.
On Tuesday, President Chakwera addressed the nation in a televised speech, confirming the heartbreaking news. He described the wreckage as “completely destroyed” and expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Vice President Chilima, whom he called a devoted father, husband, and public servant. Chakwera’s tribute highlighted Chilima’s significant role and popularity, particularly among Malawi’s youth.
“I consider it one of the great honors of my life to have him as my deputy and counselor for the past four years,” said President Chakwera, reflecting on their time working together.
Malawi Defense Force Commander Paul Valentino Phiri detailed the challenges faced during the search, citing adverse weather and difficult terrain. The search, which continued through the night, ultimately led to the discovery of the crash site near a hill in the dense Chikangawa forest.
Saulos Chilima, first elected vice president in 2014, had a notable career marked by his connection with the youth and aspirations for the presidency in the upcoming 2025 elections. However, his tenure was marred by a significant corruption scandal in 2022, leading to his temporary removal from office. The charges were dropped last month, allowing him to resume his duties shortly before this tragic incident.
The crash also claimed the lives of other notable figures, including former first lady Shanil Dzimbiri and three military crew members.
The news of the crash has left Malawi in mourning, with citizens and leaders alike grieving the profound loss. President Chakwera’s emotional address captured the nation’s sentiment, emphasizing the impact of Chilima’s service and the collective grief of the Malawian people.
As the nation processes this tragedy, the legacy of Vice President Saulos Chilima and his contributions to Malawi will be remembered and honored.
