An unsettling development has gripped Malawi as an aircraft carrying the country’s Vice-President, Saulos Chilima, and nine other individuals has vanished from radar after departing from Lilongwe. The announcement, conveyed through a statement from the president’s office, has prompted a swift response, with President Lazarus Chakwera ordering an immediate search and rescue operation upon learning of the incident.
The Malawi Defense Force aircraft, which embarked on its journey on Monday morning, was scheduled to land at Mzuzu International Airport in the northern region around 10:00 local time. However, concerns arose when aviation officials lost contact with the aircraft, compelling authorities to launch efforts to locate it.
President Chakwera, upon being informed of the distressing situation by the Defence Force’s commander, made the decision to cancel his own scheduled flight to the Bahamas, redirecting his focus towards the unfolding crisis. “The public will be updated of any developments on the situation as facts are established,” assured the president’s office, reflecting the gravity of the situation.
General Valentino Phiri, in conversation with President Chakwera, conveyed that the reason behind the aircraft’s disappearance remains unknown, adding to the sense of urgency surrounding the search operation. Moses Kunkuyu, Malawi’s information minister, affirmed that extensive efforts are underway to locate the missing aircraft, underscoring the intensity of the ongoing search efforts.
Vice-President Chilima’s journey held significant purpose, as he was en route to represent the government at the burial ceremony of former cabinet minister Ralph Kasambara, who passed away three days prior.