Soldiers are currently searching hills and forests near a city in northern Malawi after a military plane carrying the country’s vice president, Saulos Chilima, went missing. The plane, which also carried nine others, departed from Lilongwe and was expected to land at Mzuzu International Airport. However, it disappeared from radar after air traffic control instructed it to turn back due to bad weather and poor visibility.
President Lazarus Chakwera addressed the nation on state TV channel MBC, expressing concern and assuring that all available resources are being used in the search for the missing plane. He stated that search operations would continue throughout the night, with assistance being offered by the U.S., the U.K., Norway, and Israel. Mzuzu, where the plane was headed, is the third-largest city in Malawi and is located in a hilly, forested area surrounded by the Viphya mountain range.
Chilima, who has been vice president since 2020, was initially a candidate in the 2019 Malawian presidential election where he finished third. Following the nullification of the election results due to irregularities, he joined Chakwera’s campaign as his running mate in the historic election rerun in 2020. This led to Chakwera’s election as president, marking the first time in Africa that an overturned election result resulted in a defeat for the sitting president.
Prior to these events, the vice president had been facing corruption charges related to allegations of receiving money in exchange for influencing government contract awards. However, the charges were dropped by prosecutors last month, sparking criticism about Chakwera’s administration’s stance on corruption. Chilima was arrested in late 2022 and has made court appearances, but the trial has yet to begin. He has consistently denied the allegations against him.
The situation has evoked fear and concern amongst the citizens of Malawi, with Chakwera acknowledging the heartbreak and anxiety faced by the nation. He emphasized his commitment to ensuring the safe return of the missing individuals aboard the plane and expressed hope for survivors. The search efforts are ongoing, with a promise from the president that operations will persist until the aircraft is located.
Amidst the search and rescue operations, international support has been offered by several countries to aid in the search for the missing plane. Chilima, a prominent figure in Malawian politics, has been involved in various high-profile events, including the annulled 2019 election and subsequent election rerun that resulted in Chakwera’s presidency. As the search continues, the nation remains united in hope and determination for a positive outcome in the face of this tragic event.
