A search operation is currently in progress for a missing aircraft that was carrying the vice president of Malawi along with nine other individuals, as announced by the government on Monday.
Vice President Saulos Chilima was onboard a Malawi Defense Force plane that departed from Lilongwe at 9:17 a.m. on Monday. However, it failed to arrive at its designated airport in the northern region of the country, which was just a short flight away. The aircraft vanished from radar, and attempts to establish communication with it have been unsuccessful.
The vice president was en route to attend the funeral of the former attorney general, Ralph Kasambara, but adverse weather conditions in Mzuzu prevented the plane from landing, according to Lucky Sikwese, an aide in the vice president’s office.
Despite efforts, the authorities have not been able to locate the aircraft or any potential crash site. Search operations continued into the night, with military and police personnel scouring the dense forests in the northern region of Malawi.
President Lazarus Chakwera has mobilized a search and rescue mission involving national and regional agencies, as stated by the government. Additionally, President Chakwera canceled a planned trip to the Bahamas in light of the situation.
Mr. Chilima, a former telecommunications executive turned politician, faced allegations of corruption in late 2022, leading to his arrest by the Anti-Corruption Bureau. However, the case was dropped last month, clearing Mr. Chilima of all charges.
Vice President Chilima, aged 51, was poised to run for the presidency in the upcoming 2025 election, following his exoneration. He and President Chakwera, once political adversaries, joined forces in 2019 after contesting election results and ultimately winning a second vote in 2020.
2024-06-10 14:36:52
Originally posted on www.nytimes.com