Tributes continue to pour in for Malawi’s Vice President Saulo Klaus Chilima, who died in a plane crash with eight others in the Chikangawa forest.

The death of Chilima and the eight others was announced by President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera yesterday, plunging the country into a sombre mood.

Both local and international leaders have paid their tributes, including the President of Zambia, Hakainde Hichilema.

Writing on his official Facebook page, Hichilema extended his condolences to Chakwera and the people of Malawi for the loss of the Vice President and other members onboard.

“On behalf of the Government and People of Zambia, we convey our deepest condolences to President Lazarus Chakwera and the people of Malawi, following the death of Vice President Saulos Klaus Chilima and other senior officials in the tragic plane crash. Zambia joins you in mourning this devastating loss,” wrote Hakainde.

He asked God to give the people of Malawi strength during these hard times. “May God give strength, unity, and love to our brothers and sisters in Malawi.”

Currently, the government of Malawi has declared 21 days of mourning for the death of Chilima, and a funeral committee has been established. Details of his funeral ceremony will be provided soon.

More details to come.