Diplomats in China mourn Chilima

Heads of missions from various countries in Beijing, China on Monday paid homage to fallen Vice-President Saulos Klaus Chilima who died in a plane crash in Mzimba with eight others on June 10.

The diplomats paid their last respects at the Malawi Mission in Beijing and signed the condolence book to convey their messages.

In an interview, Benin Ambassador to Beijing Simon Pierre Adovelande, who is also the dean of the diplomatic corps in China, said he was saddened with the sudden death of the Vice-President.

He said: “This is a great loss to the people of Malawi. The death has come as a shock and I can imagine the pain in Malawi, especially for young people who looked up to him.”

On his part, Cameroonian Ambassador to China Martin Mpana said Chilima’s death has devastated him as he interacted with the Malawi Veep for the first time two weeks ago during the recent South Korea–Africa Summit.

He said he was impressed with Chilima’s presentation at the summit such that he asked for a photo opportunity with him.

Said Mpana: “I was so impressed with his thoughts, his speech and that is how I asked for a picture opportunity.  I shared these photos with the Ambassador of Malawi here.

“I looked at Chilima not only as the future of Malawi but the African continent. Today, I stand with the people of Malawi to pay my great respects to Chilima.”

Former UNAids country director for Malawi Amakobe Sande, who is based in China, said she was saddened with Chilima‘s death having worked with him when he was at Airtel Malawi and as the Malawi’s Veep.

Malawi Ambassador to China Allan Chintedza said the country has lost a leader who was visionary and represented the new generation.

By the close of business on Monday, at least 40 diplomats had paid their respects to Chilima.