Malawi welcomes Joyce Banda as Malawi’s president. Joyce banda becomes the second woman in the history of Africa to become President of an African country.
Reports say Malawi President Bingu wa Mutharika died of a heart attack last week. Joyce Banda, who was the vice president has now been confirmed as the country’s new leader.
Banda was born on April 12, 1950 in Zomba where her father was famous police brass band musician. Joyce Banda is a domestic abuse survivor. She was a successful business woman between 1985 and 1997. She is a college graduate and prominent for advocating women’s rights.
The United States of America today congratulates Joyce Banda on becoming the new president of Malawi and looks forward to continued partnership with the government and people of Malawi.
On her statement at DC, Department Spokeperson Victoria Nuland says Secretary Clinton spoke with President Banda this morning.
Both leaders discussed the importance of adhering to rule of law, and to working across parties as the Government of Malawi moves forward.
“We congratulate Malawi for ensuring that the transfer of power was both peaceful and reflected the letter and spirit of their constitution.” -Ms. Nuland
The people of Malawi have demonstrated once again their commitment to democratic values as the foundation of the rule of law, Ms. Nuland added.
The US government also extends its condolences to the family of former President Mutharika on his passing.
Joyce Banda was listed in Forbes Magazine 2011 as the third most powerful woman in Africa.
