Malawi: President Chakwera declares 21-days mourning for VP, others

President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has declared 21 days of national mourning following the tragic death of Vice President Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima and eight others in a devastating plane crash.

The president has also appointed a ministerial committee to oversee the state funeral arrangements for the late vice-president and the other victims.

The ministerial committee, confirmed by Minister of Information and Digitalisation Moses Kunkuyu, is chaired by Minister of Justice Titus Mvalo and includes ten other cabinet ministers. Additionally, the committee will co-opt UTM and MCP Secretary Generals Patricia Kaliati and Eisenhower Mkaka, respectively.

The full committee comprises:
– Harry Mkandawire, Minister of Defence
– Michael Usi, Minister of Natural Resources
– Simplex Chithyola Banda, Minister of Finance
– Nancy Tembo, Minister of Foreign Affairs
– Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda, Minister of Health
– Richard Chimwendo Banda, Minister of Local Government
– Ken Zikhale Ng’oma, Minister of Homeland Security
– Vera Kamtukule, Minister of Tourism
– Moses Kunkuyu, Minister of Information
– Jacob Hara, Minister of Transport and Public Works

President Chakwera’s directive and the establishment of this committee underscore the profound loss felt by the nation and the government’s commitment to honoring the late Vice President and the others who perished.

The extended period of mourning reflects the deep respect and sorrow shared by Malawians during this difficult time.