Our Collective Grief

Malawi Mourns

On June 10, the nation was stunned by the news that the aircraft carrying Vice President Saulos Klaus Chilima and nine others went missing in the Chikangawa Forest Reserve. Some of us were hopeful, clinging to the belief that they would be found safe. Others feared the worst, bracing themselves for devastating news. All of us were in disbelief, struggling to comprehend the gravity of the situation. On June 11, when His Excellency, President Lazarus Chakwera, announced the tragic news of their deaths, our worst fears were confirmed. The nation was devastated.

Death is a thief, robbing us of our loved ones without warning. It strikes with a cruel and unrelenting force, leaving us to grapple with the void it creates. The loss of Vice President Chilima and the others – Lucas Kapheni, Chisomo Chimaneni, former First Lady Shanil Dzimbiri, Dan Kanyemba, Abdul Lapukeni, Colonel Owen Sambalopa, Major Flora Selemani and Major Aidin – is a stark reminder of this harsh reality. Their lives were taken in a sudden, unexpected tragedy that has left the entire nation in mourning.

credit: Optical Photography

This loss is a heavy blow for Malawi. We mourn not only the cruel taking of nine lives but also the shocking and horrific circumstances of their demise. The nation is collectively grieving, irrespective of our political affiliations. Our relationship with Chilima may have varied, but the meaning of this loss is felt by all. We have lost a significant player in the arena of Malawian politics and governance. For many, especially the youth, Chilima’s death has extinguished a beacon of hope and a reason for their political engagement. To others, Chilima’s legacy is complex, but his impact and place in our nation’s history are undeniable.

Those closest to him will feel this wound the deepest. His wife, Mary Chilima, and their two children, his relatives, and colleagues are the ones most shattered by his untimely death. Those of us who were less proximate to him will mourn with them and wish them solace during this terrible time. The outpouring of condolences from citizens and organisations alike is a testament to the profound loss we all feel. I think of the stellar write-up by Louisa Msiska, the poignant poem by Tendai M. Shaba, and the video tributes being shared. These and more expressions of sorrow are all evidence of the collective grief that has gripped our nation.

credit: Tendai Shaba (Facebook)

This is a time of great distress. The deluge of conspiracy theories is unavoidable, and there will be those who seek to exploit this moment for their agendas. As people question and wonder why this had to happen, seeking answers in the face of an inexplicable tragedy, hearts will be riled up. Many will find the grief bringing forth the sorrow of their own passed loved ones, reigniting the pain of loss they have faced. It will be a hard time for us.

As we navigate this painful chapter, we must come together as a nation, united in our grief. The loss of Vice President Saulos Klaus Chilima and the other lost souls on that ill-fated flight is a profound tragedy that has left us all reeling. In our sorrow, let us support one another and honour the memories of those we have lost. May we find strength in our unity and solace in our shared remembrance of their lives.