Malawi’s president announced on Monday that no resources are being spared in the search for a missing military aircraft carrying Vice President Saulos Chilima.
“I know that this is a heartbreaking situation… but I want to assure you that I am sparing no available resource to find that plane and I am holding on to every fibre of hope that we will find survivors,” President Lazarus Chakwera said.
The aircraft, which departed just after 9:00 am (0700 GMT), was carrying 51-year-old Chilima, former first lady Shanil Dzimbiri (Muluzi), and eight others when it failed to land due to bad weather. The group was traveling from Lilongwe to Mzuzu, about 370 kilometers (230 miles) away, for a funeral.
“The pilot was unable to land due to poor visibility and was advised to return to Lilongwe, but contact was soon lost,” Chakwera explained.
Despite local media claims, Chakwera assured that search operations continue around the clock, with soldiers on the ground and regular public updates. He ordered an immediate search and rescue operation and has received international support from the US, Britain, Norway, and Israel, including specialized technology to expedite the search.
A telecommunication signal placed the plane within a 10-kilometer radius of Riaply, a timber milling company south of Mzuzu. Soldiers are searching on foot and with torches, according to local reports. Unconfirmed reports suggest eyewitnesses saw a plane crash into the forest.
Chakwera has canceled a visit to the Bahamas. Chilima, admired for his charisma and stern demeanor, was first elected vice president in 2014. In 2022, he faced bribery charges but was cleared last month.