No survivor found from Malawi VP’s plane crash

New Delhi, June 11: The wreck of a plane carrying Malawi’s vice-president, Saulos Chilima, has been discovered with no survivors, President Lazarus Chakwera announced. Chilima, along with nine others, was flying within the country on Monday morning when their aircraft vanished from airport radar. The military aircraft encountered severe weather conditions, leading to its crash.

During a news briefing on Tuesday, President Chakwera conveyed the news that the search and rescue mission had concluded with the discovery of the wreckage. He expressed profound sorrow, stating that the rescue team found the aircraft completely destroyed, with no survivors.

Vice-President Chilima and President Chakwera, despite hailing from different political parties, had joined forces in an alliance during the 2020 elections. Dr Chilima, 51, was en route to represent the government at the funeral of former government minister Ralph Kasambara, who had passed away four days earlier.

Also on the flight was former First Lady Shanil Dzimbiri. The plane had taken off from the capital, Lilongwe, aiming to land in the northern city of Mzuzu, but poor visibility forced a change in its course.

Dr Chilima had served as Malawi’s vice-president since 2014 was quite popular amongst the nation’s youth. Despite facing legal challenges in 2022 over allegations of accepting bribes for government contracts, the charges were dropped last month.

This disaster has sent ripples of grief and shock through Malawi, already beset by political and economic turmoil. The nation has been grappling with issues such as corruption, economic instability, and the need for public sector reform. Despite ongoing efforts, high inflation rates, unemployment, and poverty remain pressing challenges.

Vice-President Chilima was a significant figure in Malawi’s political scene, known for his commitment to reform and anti-corruption initiatives. His untimely death marks a significant loss for the country as it continues to navigate its path toward stability and growth.