In a heartfelt statement, President Lazarus Chakwera of Malawi announced that the nation will unite in mourning Vice President Saulos Chilima, who tragically lost his life in a plane crash along with nine others. The wreckage of their military aircraft was discovered yesterday in Chikangawa Forest, confirming the devastating loss.
President Chakwera expressed his deep sorrow, stating, “I consider it one of the greatest honors of my life to have had him as my deputy and counselor for the past four years. His passing is a terrible loss to his wife, Mary, his family, his friends, his colleagues in the cabinet, and to all of us as a nation.”
Messages of condolences have been pouring in from across the globe. The African Union (AU) Commission Chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat, conveyed his support to the people of Malawi, in an statement saying,
“The Chairperson of the African Union Commission H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat to learn that the search and rescue mission for the missing aircraft carrying H.E. Saulos Claus Chilima Vice President of the Republic of Malawi and nine others, found no survivors.
The chairperson extends his most sincere condolences to the bereaved families… “
The South African Presidency issued this statement:
On behalf of the government and people of South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa offers his deep condolences to the government and people of the Republic of Malawi on the passing of Vice-President Dr Saulos Chilima and nine passengers in an aircraft crash.
Vice-President Chilima passed away after an aircraft in which he and nine personnel were travelling disappeared on Monday, 10 June 2024, during a domestic flight.
President Ramaphosa offers his deep condolences to Vice-President Chilima’s family.
President Ramaphosa’s thoughts are also with His Excellency President Lazarus Chakwera and the Cabinet of the Republic of Malawi…”
The Zambian President, Hakainde Hichilema on said the following:
Our deepest condolences to H.E President
@LAZARUSCHAKWERA
& the people of Malawi, following the death of VP Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima & 9 senior officials in the tragic plane crash. We pray for God’s strength & comfort during this difficult time. Zambia mourns with you.
The President of Tanzania Samia Suluhu Hassan offered her condolences via X page, where she said:
In the US, the State Department issued a statement which read:
We are deeply saddened to hear the news of the plane crash in Malawi, which claimed the lives of nine individuals, including Vice President Saulos Klaus Chilima. We extend our deepest condolences to the Government of Malawi.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims and with all the people of Malawi at this difficult time.
The UK’s High Commissioner to Malawi Fiona Ritchie posted:
Germany in Malawi on their Facebook page posted the following message:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/WfCwbapzMY68dVKY/
China’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement via a spokesperson that said:
China deeply mourns the tragic death of Malawian Vice President Saulos Chilima and other victims in a recent plane crash ...
Malawi Ace 