Search for Missing Aircraft Carrying Vice President of Malawi

 Aircraft Search for Vice President Saulos Chilima

The Malawian authorities have launched a search for an aircraft carrying Vice President Saulos Chilima and nine other passengers. The plane, belonging to the Malawi Defense Force, departed from Lilongwe at 9:17 a.m. on Monday but failed to arrive at its northern base as scheduled.

Details of the Disappearance

In a broadcast speech, President Lazarus Chakwera explained that poor weather conditions and low visibility prevented the plane from landing. The pilot was instructed to turn back, but shortly after, the aircraft disappeared from radar and lost contact.

Search and Rescue Efforts

The Malawian government has initiated a search and rescue mission involving both national and local institutions. By the afternoon, rescuers had narrowed the possible crash site to a six-mile radius. Despite challenging terrain and darkness, military and police personnel continued the search on foot and by vehicle in the dense forests of northern Malawi. President Chakwera pledged that the search would continue until the plane was found. The government has also sought technological assistance from Israel, Norway, Britain, the United States, and other international partners.

Background on Saulos Chilima

Vice President Saulos Chilima, 51, transitioned from a career in telecoms to politics a decade ago. In late 2022, he faced corruption allegations when the Anti-Corruption Bureau of Malawi arrested him for allegedly accepting kickbacks for government contracts. Chilima denied the charges, which were eventually dropped, raising questions about the government's anti-corruption stance.

Chilima was traveling to attend the funeral of former Attorney General Ralph Kasambara when the plane disappeared. He was a candidate for the Malawian presidency in the upcoming 2025 elections.

Political Background

Chilima and President Chakwera, once political rivals, joined forces in 2019 after a disputed election. They successfully contested the results and won a subsequent election in 2020. The ongoing search for the aircraft has cast a shadow of uncertainty and concern over the nation as Malawi hopes for the safe return of all on board.