Progressio was saddened by the news that President Bingu wa Mutharika of Malawi has passed away. The late President Mutharika, 78, had ruled Malawi since 2004. We wish to offer our condolences to the Malawian people.
In line with the Malawi constitution, Vice President Joyce Banda has been installed as successor, in a peaceful transition of power. “The situation is just normal and we do not expect any form of unrest,” says Thomas Msiska, Progressio’s Country Representative in Malawi. The new president will face many urgent concerns, including the restoration of international aid to Malawi, following recent diplomatic disputes.
Progressio is pleased to welcome President Banda, 61, to her new responsibilities. President Banda is Malawi’s first female president and the second woman to lead a country in Africa. She has fought for women’s rights, and carried out educational projects through her two charities: National Association of Business Women, and the Joyce Banda Foundation. “Let us hope God will continue revealing a good direction to our new President,” said Thomas Msiska.
Progressio has worked in Malawi, one of the poorest countries in Africa, since 2007. We also began sending young volunteers to Malawi in 2010, as part of the International Citizen Service youth volunteering scheme, and a new volunteer team recently commenced a 12-week assignment in the country.
Photo: A woman and children in Malawi. Photo: Cathy Scott/Progressio
