A crisis has unfolded in Malawi after a military aircraft carrying Vice President Saulos Chilima failed to land earlier today.

The plane, which took off at 9:00 am local time, was carrying the 51-year-old vice president and nine other passengers.

Despite efforts to make contact with the aircraft, it has disappeared from radar, leaving authorities scrambling to locate its whereabouts.

In response to the crisis, President Lazarus Chakwera has ordered an immediate search and rescue operation to find the missing plane.

The incident has significant implications for Chilima, who was arrested and charged with corruption in 2022 before being cleared of all charges by a court ruling last month.

Chakwera has also cancelled his planned trip to the Bahamas in response to the crisis.

The search and rescue operation is currently underway, with regional and national forces working together to locate the missing aircraft and ensure the safety of those on board.