GOVERNMENT
While the Malawian government holds back on an official statement, the US has issued a message of condolence to Malawi.
Malawi President Bingu wa Mutharika is widely reported to have died of a heart attack on Thursday, after which he was flown to a hospital in Johannesburg.
However, the Malawian government has not yet issued an official statement on the situation. Late yesterday, Information Minister Patricia Kaliati refused to comment on whether Mutharika is dead or alive, saying the government would issue a statement on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Johnnie Carson, Assistant Secretary for African Affair in the US Department of State, has issued a statement extending the condolences of the United States to First Lady Callista Mutharika and the President’s four children.
He said Malawi’s constitution lay out a clear path for succession and the US expected it to be observed.
