Malawi: Vice-President Saulos Chilima laid to rest

Malawi mourns the loss of its Vice President, Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima, who was laid to rest on Monday in a somber and poignant ceremony at Nsipe Primary School ground in Ntcheu. Dr. Chilima, a revered leader, perished in a tragic plane crash on June 11, 2024, alongside eight others.

Thousands of mourners, including dignitaries from across the globe, gathered to pay their last respects to the late Vice President. Elizabeth Mkandawire Mwanga, representing the bereaved family, delivered an emotional eulogy, highlighting Chilima’s loving, charitable nature and his potential to become a global leader.

“Allow me to thank UTM party for the support rendered during the mourning period and thanks to chiefs for the love. I would like to thank the people of Malawi for the gesture during the mourning period. I appeal to government to conduct an investigation to establish the truth and that such a tragedy should not happen again. Let me appeal to the Nation to keep the Chilima dream alive and not to give up hope so that his dreams become a reality,” Mwanga said.

Dr. Ben Chilima expressed gratitude to the government, former Presidents, and Chiefs for their support, while Inkosi Ya Makosi Gomani V reminisced about his personal friendship with Chilima, describing him as a humble and loving advisor who prioritized Malawi’s development.

“Chilima was peaceful, humble, and loving and always wanted to see Malawi develop and this is why he always put the country’s future first in his priorities. Let me ask the people of Malawi to continue wishing the country well just as he had hoped,” he added.

The funeral was attended by notable figures such as former Presidents Dr. Bakili Muluzi, Peter Mutharika, former Vice President Khumbo Kachali, and various cabinet ministers. Archbishop Thomas Luke Msusa of Blantyre Diocese, who conducted the funeral mass, urged the nation to maintain peace and uphold the values Chilima stood for.

The ceremony also saw the laying of wreaths by the late Vice President’s wife, Madame Mary Chilima, President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera, and other distinguished attendees, including Former President Arthur Peter Mutharika and Chief Justice Rezine Mzikamanda.

Dr. Saulos Chilima, born on February 12, 1973, leaves behind his wife Mary and their two children. His untimely demise in the Chikangawa Forest plane crash is a significant loss to Malawi, but his legacy of peace, humility, and dedication to national development endures.