Malawi government confirms President Mutharika's death

Vice-president Joyce Banda expected to take over from Bingu wa Mutharika, who died two days ago after a heart attack

guardian.co.uk, Staff and agencies, Saturday 7 April 2012

The death of Malawi's president, Bingu wa Mutharika, has been confirmed,
two days after doctors said he had suffered a fatal heart attack. Photograph:
Alexander Joe/AFP/Getty Images

The Malawi government has officially confirmed the death of President Bingu wa Mutharika and declared 10 days of mourning, two days after doctors said he died following a heart attack.

A brief statement from the cabinet on Saturday morning offered no further details.

Vice-president Joyce Banda is expected to address the nation soon, in an indication that she will be taking over. Under the constitution, the vice-president should take over to complete Mutharika's term, due to end in early 2014.

Banda has clashed with Mutharika, and there was speculation that politicians delayed announcing his death because of a dispute over succession.

The British foreign secretary, William Hague, said: "In this moment of sadness I offer condolences to President Mutharika's family. I urge all sides to remain calm and that a peaceful handover takes place as provided for under Malawi's constitution."

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