Malawi’s Vice President Saulos Chilima and nine others have been confirmed dead following a military aircraft crash. The incident occurred on 10 June, 2024, leading to an intense search operation which ultimately ended in confirmation of death for all aboard the plane.
Earlier the Malawian military had said that the plane may have crashed in dense forest, but it had not yet been found. According to Reuters, top military official Paul Valentino Phiri had told reporters that search and rescue operations had been hampered by foggy weather around the Chikangawa Forest which was affecting visibility.
Malawi’s President Lazarus Chakwera confirmed the demise of Chilima and his entourage during an address to the nation on Tuesday.
All you need to know about the crash
On 10 June 10, 2024, the Malawi Defence Force Aircraft carrying Chilima, along with nine others, failed to land at Mzuzu International Airport as scheduled. The aircraft departed from Lilongwe at 9:17 am and was expected to land at 10:02 am. However, due to adverse weather conditions, the plane attempted to turn back without landing. Moments later, air traffic control lost contact, and the plane disappeared from radar.
Telecommunications towers later traced the last known position of the aircraft to a 10-kilometer radius within one of the plantations. This area became the focal point of the search and rescue operations.
Malawi Vice President Saulos Chilima, left, and his wife Mary disembark from a plane upon his return from South Korea in Lillongwe, 9 June, 2024. AP
Chakwera, addressing the nation on state TV, had then expressed his concern and commitment: “I know this is a heartbreaking situation. I know we are all frightened and concerned. I too am concerned. But I want to assure you that I am sparing no available resource to find that plane. And I am holding onto every fiber of hope that we will find survivors.”
Despite international assistance from the US, UK, Norway, and Israel, the search concluded tragically. A press statement from the Office of the President and Cabinet confirmed: “The aircraft, which was carrying the Vice President, the Right Honourable Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima, and nine others, was found this morning in the Chikangawa forest. Unfortunately, all on board have perished in the crash.”
The ill-fated flight included not only Chilima but also notable figures such as former first lady Shanil Dzimbiri.
Chakwera revealed that due to poor visibility and bad weather, the pilot attempted to return to Lilongwe without landing at Mzuzu. This decision led to the plane going off the radar, with its last known position being identified in a forested area.
Malawi declares national mourning
President Chakwera has declared a national day of mourning and ordered that all flags fly at half-mast until the day of the funeral. He expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the deceased: “This is a day of great sorrow for our nation. We mourn the loss of our Vice President, a great leader, and all those who were on board.”
Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Colleen Zamba, reiterated the president’s sentiments in an official statement: “The Office of the President and Cabinet wishes to inform the general public that the search and rescue operation for the Malawi Defence Force Aircraft that went missing on Monday, 10th June 2024, has regretfully ended in tragedy. The President has expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the Vice President and all those who have lost their lives in this tragic incident.”
Who was Saulos Chilima?
Saulos Klaus Chilima, born on 12 February, 1973, was a prominent Malawian politician and business executive. Before entering politics, Chilima had a distinguished career in the private sector, holding top positions at Unilever, Coca-Cola, and Airtel Malawi. He transitioned to politics and became Vice President in June 2020 after a successful campaign alongside Chakwera, according to his profile on Malawi’s government website.
Malawi Vice President Saulos Chilima, left, greets government officials upon his return from South Korea in Lillongwe, Sunday, 9 June, 2024. AP
Chilima’s educational background includes a Ph.D. in Knowledge Management from the University of Bolton in the UK, awarded in August 2015. Known for his commitment to public service and development, Chilima was a devout Roman Catholic and was married to Mary Chibambo. The couple had two children, Sean and Elizabeth.
His political journey was marked by his dedication to transforming Malawi. As Vice President, Chilima was instrumental in various developmental projects and policy reforms aimed at improving the lives of Malawians.
