Chakwera appeals for unity as Malawi mourn Chilima

President Lazarus Chakwera is appealing for unity among Malawians following the tragic death of Vice President Saulos Chilima and eight others in a plane crash in Mzimba.

Chilima and his team including former first lady Shanil Dzimbiri were travelling from Lilongwe to Nkhatabay for a funeral service of former Attorney General Ralph Kasambara.

The Malawi Defence Force (MDF) plane went missing around 10am on Monday after it failed to land at Mzuzu Airport.

The wreckage of the plane was discovered around Chikangawa in Mzimba on Tuesday with no survivors.

“I know that it is natural for the pain and helplessness this tragedy causes to make us feel angry because we feel hurt and wounded, and I want you to know that I understand these feelings because I feel them too. So because we are all feeling these things, it is important that we comfort each other now and in the weeks to come as we mourn together.

“I must also thank all former Presidents of Malawi for the solidarity they expressed to me when I called each of them to inform them of the terrible news, because it is in times like this that we must stand together as one people and I will be counting on their support to unite us during the days of mourning that lie ahead,” pleaded the Malawi leader.