The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, has expressed deep sorrow following the tragic death of Malawi’s Vice President Saulus Claus Chilima and nine other occupants of a missing aircraft.
The aircraft, which had been the focus of an intense search and rescue mission, was found with no survivors.
In an official statement released on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, Mahamat conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased, as well as to the Government and people of Malawi.
“The Chairperson of the African Union Commission H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat was deeply saddened to learn that the search and rescue mission for the missing aircraft carrying H.E. Saulus Claus Chilima, Vice President of the Republic of Malawi and nine other occupants, found no survivors,” the statement read.
Chairperson Mahamat highlighted the significant loss to the nation and reaffirmed the African Union’s solidarity with Malawi during this challenging period.
“The Chairperson extends his most sincere condolences to the bereaved families, and the Government and the people of Malawi at this great national loss. The Chairperson reiterates the African Union’s strong solidarity with H.E President Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, the Government and the People of Malawi during this difficult time, with prayers for the peaceful repose of the souls of the departed,” the statement added.
Malawi’s Chilima death
Chilima’s secretary confirmed the tragic news, announcing that the missing aircraft carrying him and nine others had been located in Chikangawa Forest with no survivors after hours of intense searching.
“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 statement read.
The plane was reported missing by Malawi President Lazarus Chakwera after it lost radar contact shortly after departing from the capital on Monday at 9:17 am.
The plane was scheduled to land at Mzuzu Airport at 10:02 am, but it could not do so due to poor visibility. The plane was then directed to return to the capital.
Following the loss of radar contact, President Chakwera ordered an immediate search operation and sought assistance from neighbouring countries, the US, Britain, Norway, and Israel for the rescue efforts.
“I’m holding to every fibre of hope that we’ll find survivors. I have given strict orders that the operation continues until the plane is found,” President Chakwera stated earlier, noting that the search was focused within a 10-kilometre radius in a forest reserve.
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