“Our hearts are torn, the nation mourns”: Malawi's Bishops after Death of Vice President and Nine Others Confirmed

Lilongwe, 11 June, 2024 / 11:08 PM

Members of the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) have joined the entire people of God in the East African nation in mourning the Vice President, Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima and nine others who perished in a plane crash on Monday, June 10.

President Lazarus Chakwera confirmed the death of the 10 on Tuesday, June 11, a day after the military aircraft that left Malawi's capital city, Lilongwe, en route to Mzuzu airport went off the radar.

“I’m deeply saddened, I’m sorry to inform you all that it has turned out to be a terrible tragedy. The search and rescue team has found the aircraft near a hill... they have found it completely destroyed with no survivors,” President Chakwera said.

In a statement shared with ACI Africa on June 11, ECM members say they “learned with great shock and deep sorrow about the tragic plane crash that claimed the precious lives of the State Vice President, Right Honourable Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima and nine other Malawians.”

“Until the death of Right Honourable Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima and Madam Patricia Dzimbiri, they were practicing and dedicated members of the Catholic Church. They came from families that were built and grounded on the Catholic faith, ethos, and values,” the Catholic Bishops in Malawi say.

The ECM members further say, “At their death, our hearts are torn, wounded and the nation mourns Right Honourable Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima, Madam Patricia Dzimbiri, and others with deep grief.”

They extend their condolences to president of Malawi and the families of those who lost their lives in the crash. 

ECM members also call on all priests in Malawi to have Eucharistic celebration on Sunday, June 16 in all the Catholic Churches in the country to pray for the restful repose of those who died.

“May the almighty God grant strength to their families as we mourn them,” the Catholic Church leaders implore.

Born in February 1973, Dr. Chilima is a Ngoni from Ntcheu District in Central Malawi. He is married to Mary and together they have two children.

Meanwhile in another statement shared with ACI Africa, members of the Africa Christian Professionals Forum (ACPF) have extended their “deepest condolences to the citizens of Malawi” following the tragic incident.

“We are deeply saddened by this unprecedented tragedy, which has left a significant void in the leadership of Malawi and the broader African community,” the Christian Professionals in Africa say in the June 11 statement.

They describe Dr. Chilima as “a beacon of hope, a dedicated leader, who worked tirelessly for the betterment of his nation and the continent.”

“His untimely demise, alongside other key officials, is a monumental loss that will be felt deeply across all sectors of society,” the church leaders say.

In their message of solidarity, they say their “thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families, friends, and colleagues of the departed.”

“We stand in solidarity with the people of Malawi as they navigate through this period of profound grief and sorrow,” they added.

ACPF members also extend their support to President Chakwera and his administration as they “cope with this unimaginable loss and continue to lead the nation through these trying times.”

“In honor of Vice President Saulos Chilima and the other esteemed officials, let us commit to continuing their legacy of service, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the advancement of Malawi and Africa,” the Christian Professionals in Africa say.

They note that “their vision and efforts must inspire us to work even harder for a brighter and more prosperous future for all. 

ACPF members implore, “May the Almighty grant peace to the souls of the departed and provide solace to all who mourn.”