The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) has joined Malawians in mourning the loss of Vice President Saulos Chilima who died in an aircraft crash. According to PAP President, Chief Fortune Zephania Charumbira in his condolences message, Africa has lost a larger-than- life character.
As Malawians mourn the demise of the nation’s Vice President Saulos Chilima, who died in a plane crash on Monday this week, the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) that sits in Midrand, South Africa ahead of his burial has extended their condolences to the people of Malawi.
The president of the African Parliament, Chief Zephania Charumbira in his condolences message described Chilima as « a gallant son of the soil who dedicated his life to serving his country ». While he added that « Africa has lost a larger-than-life character who brought style and swagger into public office », he used the opportunity to encourage Malawians to « rededicate themselves to the values of Ubuntu (I am because we are), which Chilima held dear. »
According to Charumbira, Chilima’s rise to the second -highest public office in Malawi inspired hope among the youth and rekindled the zeal for youth participation and inclusion in the national governance framework.
He however reiterated that though the exemplary leader went so soon, it was a call for Malawians to draw inspiration from his brief but impactful life in public office.
It is worth mentioning that several international organizations and foreign governments have also sent their condolence messages to Malawi including the African Union Commission Chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat who extended his condolences to the bereaved families for such a « great national loss »
President Lazarus Chakwera has declared 21 days of National mourning in honor of the deceased. Chilima would be laid to rest in his home village Ntcheu on Monday next week.
