By George Swarei
Lilongwe, Malawi. In a somber and heartfelt address to the nation, Malawi President Lazarus Chakwera provided updates on the ongoing search and rescue operation for the missing aircraft carrying Vice President Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima and nine other individuals. Speaking from a place of deep concern and empathy, President Chakwera sought to reassure the public while emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
The President began by recounting the events leading up to the disappearance of the aircraft, detailing its departure from Mzuzu Airfield en route to Kamuzu International Airport to transport Vice President Chilima. However, adverse weather conditions thwarted the landing in Mzuzu, prompting the aircraft to return to Lilongwe. Tragically, contact with the plane was lost shortly thereafter, plunging the nation into a state of uncertainty and anxiety.
With a heavy heart, President Chakwera informed the nation of the concerted efforts undertaken by the Malawi Defence Force (MDF) to locate the missing aircraft. Despite media reports suggesting otherwise, he affirmed that the search and rescue operation remained ongoing, with MDF personnel combing the area around Raiply, where signals from telecommunication towers indicated the last known location of the plane. The President reiterated his commitment to exhaust all available resources in the search effort and vowed to provide regular updates to the public through official channels.
Acknowledging the collective anguish and fear gripping the nation, President Chakwera expressed solidarity with the families and loved ones of those aboard the missing aircraft. He extended gratitude to neighboring countries and international partners, including the US, UK, Norway, and Israel, for their support and assistance in the search mission. Emphasizing the power of unity and faith, he implored the nation to remain steadfast and supportive of one another during this trying time.
President Chakwera appealed for prayers and urged the public to rely on verified information from official sources, cautioning against misinformation and speculation. With unwavering faith in divine providence, he expressed confidence that, united in purpose, Malawi would emerge from this dark chapter strengthened and resilient.
As the nation awaits further developments in the search and rescue operation, President Chakwera’s words serve as a beacon of hope and solidarity, rallying Malawians to stand together in the face of adversity.
