The news of Malawian Vice-President Saulos Chilima’s missing military aircraft has sent shockwaves through the nation, prompting urgent search and rescue efforts. The aircraft, carrying Chilima and nine others, reportedly disappeared from radar after failing to land as scheduled.
Despite extensive efforts by aviation authorities to establish contact with the missing aircraft, no communication has been established thus far. Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera has wasted no time in ordering both regional and national forces to initiate an immediate search and rescue operation to locate the whereabouts of the aircraft.
Chakwera’s decision to cancel his own trip to the Bahamas underscores the seriousness of the situation and the priority given to locating the missing aircraft and its passengers.
The disappearance of the vice-president’s aircraft comes against the backdrop of Chilima’s recent legal troubles. In 2022, he faced charges of corruption related to a bribery scandal involving a British-Malawian businessman, resulting in the stripping of his powers. However, last month, the charges against Chilima were dropped by a Malawian court following his consistent attendance at court hearings.
The sudden disappearance of the aircraft has left many concerned for the safety of Chilima and the other passengers, with hopes pinned on the ongoing search and rescue efforts to provide answers and ensure their safe return.