The government of Malawi has initiated an urgent search operation for an aircraft carrying Vice President Saulos Chilima and nine other passengers, which went missing earlier today.
The Malawi Defence Force aircraft departed from the capital, Lilongwe, shortly after 9 a.m. local time. It was en route to Mzuzu International Airport in the northern part of the country but failed to arrive as scheduled at just after 10 a.m. local time (11:00 BST).
In a statement released on the government’s Facebook page, the presidency confirmed that the aircraft “went off the radar” shortly after take-off. Aviation officials lost contact with the plane, prompting President Lazarus Chakwera to order an immediate search and rescue mission.
The disappearance of the aircraft has raised significant concern across the nation. Vice President Chilima, a prominent figure in Malawian politics, was travelling with a delegation whose identities have yet to be disclosed.
Efforts are currently underway by the Malawi Defence Force and other relevant authorities to locate the missing aircraft. Search teams are scouring the intended flight path and surrounding areas, although no signs of the plane have been reported thus far.
The incident has cast a shadow over the country, with citizens and officials anxiously awaiting updates. The international community has also expressed its concern and offered assistance in the search operation.
More information will be provided as the situation develops. The thoughts and prayers of the nation are with Vice President Chilima, the passengers on board, and their families during this distressing time.
