Malawi’s celebrated and renowned Governance and Human Rights Advocate, Undule Mwakasungula, has described the tragic loss of the country’s Vice President, Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima, as a huge loss of an asset to the nation, saying Chilima was a man on God’s assignment to develop the country.

Mwakasungula made the sentiments in an interview on Wednesday in reaction to the death of Chilima who was killed together with eight others in a plane crash on Monday.

“I join the State President Dr Lazarus Chakwera and nation in mourning the untimely death of our Vice President, Rt. Hon. Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima, and eight others who tragically lost their lives in a plane crash. This devastating incident has left a void in our hearts as a nation. The late Vice President, Dr. Chilima, was a man on God’s assignment, to contribute to the development of Malawi. His vision, integrity, and hard work were instrumental in driving progress and positive change. As a nation, we were fortunate to have such an asset, and his contributions will be greatly missed,” he said.

Mwakasungula stressed the need for Malawians to pursue peace and unity as they mourn the passing on of Chilima and the other eight citizens.

He cautioned against spreading fake news and information about the tragic ending of the plane that carried the nine.

“In honouring their memories, we must come together through this difficult time. This unity and solidarity will be the truest forms of respect we can offer to their souls. In the wake of this tragedy, it is important for the nation to refrain from unnecessary speculations and baseless accusations. Spreading unverified information and conspiracy theories only serves to deepen our collective wounds and hinder the healing process.  Our focus should be on promoting national healing and unity, regardless of our political or religious affiliations and personal differences,” he emphasized.

“May the Lord our God provide us with the strength to go through these trying times. Our earnest prayer therefore must be for us to emerge from this tragedy stronger and more united. Let us honor the memories of Dr. Chilima and the other victims by committing to truth, empathy, and collective progress.

“In these moments of sorrow, let us be guided by the words of comfort from God seeking solace as we mourn and heal. May God help us to heal and move forward as a nation, united in our sorrow. May the souls of Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima and all those who perished in this tragic accident rest in eternal peace,” he said.