Bingu wa Mutharika: Difference between revisions
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{{Recent death|date=April 2012}} |
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A african idiot who did something to be a president. |
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{{Infobox officeholder |
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|name = Bingu wa Mutharika |
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|image = Mutharika at Met.jpg |
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|office = 3rd [[List of heads of state of Malawi|President of Malawi]] |
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|vicepresident = [[Cassim Chilumpha]]<br>[[Joyce Banda]] |
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|term_start = 24 May 2004 |
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|term_end = 5 April 2012 |
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|predecessor = [[Bakili Muluzi]] |
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|successor = [[Joyce Banda]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2012/04/201247111815207836.html |title=Joyce Banda assumes Malawi presidency |publisher=Al Jazeera |date=7 April 2012 |accessdate=7 April 2012}}</ref> |
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|office1 = [[Chairperson of the African Union]] |
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|term_start1 = 31 January 2010 |
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|term_end1 = 31 January 2011 |
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|predecessor1 = [[Muammar Gaddafi]] |
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|successor1 = [[Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo]] |
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|birth_date = {{birth date|1934|2|24|df=y}} |
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|birth_place = [[Thyolo]], [[Nyasaland]]<br><small>(now [[Malawi]])</small> |
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|death_date = {{death date and age|2012|4|6|1934|2|24|df=y}} |
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|death_place = [[Lilongwe]], [[Malawi]] |
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|party = [[United Democratic Front (Malawi)|United Democratic Front]] <small>(Before 2005)</small><br>[[Democratic Progressive Party (Malawi)|Democratic Progressive Party]] <small>(2005–2012)</small> |
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|spouse = [[Ethel Mutharika]] <small>(Before 2007)</small><br>[[Callista Chimombo]] <small>(2010–2012)</small> |
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|children = 4 |
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|alma_mater = [[University of Delhi]]<br>[[California Miramar University]] |
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|profession = [[Economist]] |
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|religion = [[Catholic Church|Roman Catholicism]]<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/3740547.stm |work=BBC News |title=Profile: Bingu wa Mutharika |date=10 August 2007 |accessdate=April 26, 2010 |first=Raphael |last=Tenthani}}</ref> |
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}} |
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'''Bingu wa Mutharika''' (24 February 1934 – 5 April 2012) was a [[Malawi]]an politician and economist who was [[President of Malawi]] from May 2004 until his death. He was also the president of the ruling [[Democratic Progressive Party (Malawi)|Democratic Progressive Party]], which has a majority in Malawi's parliament as a result of the [[Malawian general election, 2009|2009 general election]]. During his two terms in office he was noted for presiding over the [[African Union]], as well as several domestic controversies. He died of a heart attack in [[Lilongwe]] on 5 April 2012.<ref name=r20120406>{{cite news|title=Malawi President Mutharika dead: government sources|url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/04/06/us-malawi-president-idUSBRE83504E20120406|date=6 April 2012|agency=Reuters}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.nyasatimes.com/malawi/2012/04/05/malawi-president-bingu-wa-mutharika-dies-exclusive/ |work=Nyasa Times |title=Malawi President Bingu wa Mutharika dies|date=5 April 2012 |accessdate=5 April 2012}}</ref> |
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==Early life and career== |
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Bingu wa Mutharika was born '''Ryson Webster Thom'''<ref name="BBC">[http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-17628591 "Malawi's President Mutharika treated for cardiac arrest"], BBC News, 6 April 2012</ref> on 24 February 1934 in [[Thyolo]]. Mutharika's parents, Ryson Thom Mutharika and Eleni Thom Mutharika, were both members of the Church of Scotland Mission which later became [[Church of Central Africa, Presbyterian|CCAP]]. His father was a teacher for 37 years and his mother taught the women of the [[Mvano]] group. |
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Upon completing his primary education at Ulongwe Mission and Chingoli, Mulanje, Ntambanyama, Malamulo, in Thyolo and Henri Henderson Institute in [[Blantyre]], Mutharika obtained a Grade A [[Cambridge]] Overseas School Leaving Certificate at Dedza Secondary School in 1956. In 1964, he was one of the 32 Malawians selected by [[Hastings Kamuzu Banda]] (President of [[Malawi]] 1961-1994) to travel to [[India]] on an [[Indira Gandhi]] scholarship for 'fast track' diplomas. The BBC reports that he went to India to "escape then President Hastings Banda's crackdown on political opponents". At some point during the 1960s, he also changed his name, to Bingu wa Mutharika.<ref name="BBC" /> In India, Mutharika earned his Bachelor's degree in Economics. Subsequently, he attended the Delhi School of Economics graduating with a M.A. degree in Economics. He later obtained a Ph.D. degree in Development Economics from Pacific Western University of [[Los Angeles]], [[California]] (USA). Mutharika also completed short courses on Business Management, Financial Analysis, Trade Promotion, Political Leadership, regional Economic Co-operation and Human Relations.<ref>{{cite web|author=NetNewsPublisher |url=http://www.netnewspublisher.com/african-union-elects-president-of-malawi-as-new-chairman/ |title=African Union elects president of Malawi as new chairman |publisher=Netnewspublisher.com |date= |accessdate=2012-01-13}}</ref> |
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Mutharika served in the Malawi civil service. He has served as Administrative Officer in the Government of Malawi and Zambia. He was offered the Deputy Governorship of the reserve Bank of Malawi and appointed Minister of Economic Planning and Development in 2002.{{Fact|date=April 2012}} |
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He also worked at the World Bank as a Loans Officer and at the United Nations Economic Commission of Africa, as Director of Trade and Development Finance and as Secretary General of the Common Market for Eastern and [[Southern Africa]] [[COMESA]], covering 22 Member States <ref>{{cite web|last=Wellen |first=Russ |url=http://www.fpif.org/articles/malawi_makes_africa_takes |title=Malawi Makes, Africa Takes? |publisher=FPIF |date=2011-08-11 |accessdate=2012-01-13}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thedignityproject.org.uk/country_profile-2.html |title=Country Profile |publisher=Thedignityproject.org.uk |date= |accessdate=2012-01-13}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Bingu Wa Mutharika (At a Glance) |url=http://myafrica.allafrica.com/view/people/main/id/07-vism9dWptMaQy.html |title=allAfrica.com: myAfrica - People |publisher=Myafrica.allafrica.com |date= |accessdate=2012-01-13}}</ref> |
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[[File:Bingu wa Mutharika with Obamas.jpg|thumb|left|Bingu wa Mutharika with [[Michelle Obama|Michelle]] and [[Barack Obama]].]] |
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==Presidential campaigns (1999–2009)== |
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Mutharika co-founded the [[United Democratic Front]] in 1992. In 1999, he stood as a candidate in the [[Malawian general election, 1999|presidential election]], finishing last.<ref name="BBC" /> |
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===President=== |
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Mutharika was nominated by then President Muluzi as his successor. Mutharika won the [[Malawian general election, 2004|presidential election]] on 20 May, 2004, ahead of [[John Tembo]] and [[Gwanda Chakuamba]], and took office a few days later.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ecosocc-au.org/index.php?page=au |title=Ecosocc |publisher=Ecosocc-au.org |date= |accessdate=2012-01-13}}</ref> |
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On 7 October 2006, Mutharika stated his intention to seek re-election in the [[Malawian presidential election, 2009|2009 presidential election]] as the DPP candidate.<ref>[http://english.people.com.cn/200610/09/eng20061009_310024.html "Malawian president reveals ambitions for re-election"], Xinhua (''People's Daily Online''), 9 October 2006.</ref> Two years later, in October 2008, the DPP's national governing council unanimously chose Mutharika as the party's candidate for the 2009 election,<ref>[http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5hHHat6P45nWvRFA2_1aHW4s7Lrfw "Malawi's Mutharika nominated for re-election"], AFP, 22 October 2008.</ref> which he won with 66.7% of the vote.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mec.org.mw/Elections/2009ResultsReports/tabid/98/Default.aspx |title=2009 Results Reports |publisher=Mec.org.mw |date= |accessdate=2012-01-13}}</ref> |
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====First term==== |
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During President Mutharika's first term in office (2004–2008), the country achieved a high rate of agricultural production and food security. The President's initiatives, centred on a programme of [[agricultural subsidy]], benefited approximately 1,700,000 resource poor smallholder farmers. In the 2005/2006 crop season, Malawi achieved a food surplus of more than 500,000 metric tons. During the 2008/2009 planting season, food surpluses topped 1.3 million metric tons. This agricultural policy was widely regarded as successful but expensive, and was curtailed in 2011.<ref name=iri>{{cite web|url=http://www.irinnews.org/printreport.aspx?reportid=93954 |title=IRIN Africa | MALAWI: Farm subsidy programme shrinks | Malawi | Economy | Food Security | Governance |publisher=Irinnews.org |date=2011-10-13 |accessdate=2012-01-13}}</ref> |
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====Second term==== |
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[[File:Lula Mutharika.jpg|thumb|right|300px|[[Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva]] (left) with Bingu wa Mutharika (right).]] |
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In 2009, Malawi's Ministry of Finance estimated that during the previous four years the share of Malawians living below the poverty line fell from 52 percent to 40 percent. This has been attributed to the country's agricultural policies, which have been seen as pioneering in the context of African economic development.<ref name=un.afrec.25.1>{{cite web|last=Harsch |first=Ernest |url=http://www.un.org/ecosocdev/geninfo/afrec/vol25no1/investing-african-agriculture.html |title=Africa Renewal Magazine | Investing in Africa's farms — and its future |publisher=United Nations|date=2010-11-23 |accessdate=2012-01-13}}</ref> |
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In addition to championing food security in Malawi, Mutharika promoted a similar approach for Africa. While Chairman of the African Union in 2010,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.au.int/ |title=African Union |publisher=Au.int |date= |accessdate=2012-01-13}}</ref> the President laid down a road map for Africa to achieve sustainability and food security.<ref>{{cite web|last=McLure |first=Jason |url=http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aP49H8lYYb.E |title=Malawi’s Mutharika Named Next African Union Chairman (Update1) |publisher=Bloomberg |date=2010-01-31 |accessdate=2012-01-13}}</ref> He proposed a new partnership with other African nations, which he called the “African Food Basket”,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nepad.org/foodsecurity/news/1786/%E2%80%9Cit-possible-africa-become-food-basket-world%E2%80%9D-mutharika |title="It is possible for Africa to become the food basket of the world," says Mutharika |publisher=NEPAD |date=2010-10-28 |accessdate=2012-01-13}}</ref> outlining a strategy incorporating subsidies to small farmers, especially women, improvements in irrigation, and improving agriculture and food security over 5 years through innovative interventions that comprise subsidies, increased budgetary allocations, private sector investment and affordable information and communications technology. Approximately half of the country's subsistence farmers received vouchers which provided discounts on maize seed and fertilizer. To sustain the program, the Malawi Government allocated 11 percent of its budget for 2010/2011 to agriculture, continuing a rare record of commitment on this scale in [[Africa]]. The level of investment in the programme was reduced in 2011.<ref name=iri/> |
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Mutharika has been accused of trying to sideline and isolate his vice-president, [[Joyce Banda]]. He kicked her out of the party in 2010, but she still remained the vice-president of the country. As a result of the [[Cochrane-Dyet 2011 cable controversy]] that accused Mutharika of being increasingly 'arrogant' and 'autocratic', he expelled the [[British High Commissioner]].<ref name="Yahoo">{{cite web |url= http://news.yahoo.com/malawi-president-dies-heart-attack-hospital-075230249.html |title=Malawi president dies, leaving nation in suspense|publisher= AFP |first= Felix |last=Mponda |work=Yahoo! News |date=6 April 2012 |accessdate=April 6, 2012}}</ref> |
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In 2011, days of [[2011 Malawi protests|nationwide protests]] occurred, sparked by worsening fuel shortages, rising prices and high unemployment. Malawi's health ministry confirmed 18 deaths in the northern cities of Karonga and Mzuzu as a result of police using live ammunition to quell protests.<ref>{{cite web|last=Mapondera|first=Godfrey|title=Malawi protesters killed during anti-regime riots|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/jul/21/malawi-protesters-killed-anti-regime-riots|publisher=The Guardian|accessdate=25 January 2012}}</ref> Mutharika was unapologetic and said that he would "smoke out" all his enemies. This was accompanied by a crack-down on Malawian journalists, human rights activists, and lawyers, including [[Ralph Kasambara]].<ref name="Reuters">{{cite web |url= http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/sns-rt-us-malawi-mutharikabre835093-20120406,0,4811631.story |title=Obituary: Mutharika, Malawi's flawed 'economist-in-chief'|publisher=Reuters|first=Mabvuto |last=Banda |work=ChicagoTribune.com |date=6 April 2012 |accessdate=April 6, 2012}}</ref> Other events that marred his presidency were the activities surrounding the [[Blessings Chinsinga#Academic Stand-off|2011 academic freedom stand-off between the President and University]], and the death of student activist [[Robert Chasowa]]. |
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==Chairperson of the African Union== |
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On 31 January, 2010, Mutharika replaced [[Muammar al-Gaddafi]] as chairperson of the [[African Union]] after Gaddafi's attempt to run as the African Union chairperson for an additional year failed.<ref>[http://www.maravipost.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2405:only-bingu-for-au-chair-banda&catid=54:politics&Itemid=124 ]{{dead link|date=January 2012}}</ref> Mutharika was Malawi's first head of state to assume the position of chairperson.<ref>[http://www.maravipost.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2405:only-bingu-for-au-chair-banda&catid=54:politics&Itemid=1244 ]{{dead link|date=January 2012}}</ref> In his acceptance speech he said that "Africa is not a poor continent, but the African population are poor" and called for "Africa to develop Africa". He shared his vision for the African Food Basket Initiative by making food security a priority in his agenda. |
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[[File:G-20-2.jpg|right|thumb|G20 summit]] |
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On 4 April he attended the 50th anniversary in celebration of Senegalese independence as the African Union chairperson. He also attended the [[G8 summit]] in Canada and the [[G20 summit|G20 Summit]] in [[Seoul]], South Korea.<ref name=nationmw.net>{{cite news|last=Sonani|first=Bright|title=The year Bingu assumed AU chairmanship|url=http://www.mwnation.com/index.php/national-news/11966-the-year-bingu-assumed-au-chairmanship.html|newspaper=Nation on Sunday|date=30 December 2010}}</ref> |
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On 26 July, he attended the African Union summit in [[Kampala]], Uganda,<ref name="nationmw.net"/> where he comdemned the [[International Criminal Court]] (ICC) for issuing a warrant to arrest [[Omar al Bashir]] because it undermined African authority.<ref name="nationmw.net"/> They adopted the African Food Basket Initiative here which was presented to the UN on 29 September.<ref name="nationmw.net"/> On 6 September, he attended the inauguration of Rwandan President [[Paul Kagame]].<ref name="nationmw.net"/> He attended the Iran-Africa Conference, which aimed at strengthening ties between Iran and African countries.<ref name="nationmw.net"/> During a speech at Boston University, Mutharika defended his subsidy program and noted that although Western countries say African governments should not subsidise agriculture, Western governments subsidise their own farmers.<ref name="nationmw.net"/> Malawi hosted Africas first conference that brought together Ministers of Agriculture in Africa where they were urged to fight for subsidies in agriculture.<ref name="nationmw.net"/> He did not attend the Africa-EU Trade summit in Libya but no official reason was provided for this move.<ref name="nationmw.net"/> During his tenure, he joined international calls for [[Laurent Gbagbo]] to accept defeat in 2010 elections in the Ivory Coast.<ref name="nationmw.net"/> |
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==Family and personal life== |
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He was married to Zimbawean Ethel Zvauya Mutharika, with whom he had four children. Ethel died of cancer on 28 May 2007. In 2010, Mutharika announced he planned to marry [[Callista Chimombo]], a former Minister of Tourism. The two were married on 1 May, 2010.<ref name="nationmw.net"/> |
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Mutharika has a brother, [[Peter Mutharika]], who was a lecturer at [[Washington University]] in St Louis. In May 2009, he was elected to the Malawian Parliament, and was subsequently appointed to the Malawi Cabinet as Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs. He has held other cabinet positions. |
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==Death== |
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Bingu wa Mutharika died of a massive [[heart attack]] on 5 April 2012, at the age of 78,<ref name=r20120406>{{cite news|title=Malawi President Mutharika dead: government sources|url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/04/06/us-malawi-president-idUSBRE83504E20120406|date=6 April 2012|agency=Reuters}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.nyasatimes.com/malawi/2012/04/05/malawi-president-bingu-wa-mutharika-dies-exclusive/ |work=Nyasa Times |title=Malawi President Bingu wa Mutharika dies|date=5 April 2012 |accessdate=5 April 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2012/04/06/world/africa/malawi-president/index.html |work=CNN |title=President of Malawi dies after heart attack|date=5 April 2012 |accessdate=5 April 2012}}</ref> after being admitted to a hospital. The media reported "chaotic scenes" after his wife, Callista, and other cabinet members were leaving the hospital. His condition was initially announced as "critical". Vice President Joyce Banda wished him a quick recovery. In reaction, police were deployed across the national capital with 15 Army officers posted at the Vice President's residence.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2012/04/201245175737562122.html |title=Malawi president 'in critical condition' - Africa |publisher=Al Jazeera English |date=2011-10-04 |accessdate=2012-04-06}}</ref> |
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==Titles, honours and awards== |
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Mutharika received the following awards: |
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* The [[United Nations]] Special [[Millennium development Goal Award]] (2010) for success towards eliminating hunger by enhancing food security ahead of the 2015 MDG deadline (Goal 1 – ending poverty and hunger) <ref>{{cite press release|url=http://mdgawards.org/files/FileUpload/files/MDG_Awards_Post_Event_PR.pdf |title=MDG Awards Post-Event PR |publisher= |date= |accessdate=2012-04-06}}</ref> |
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* COMESA Distinguished Award (2010) for exceptional leadership and distinguished service to [[COMESA]] and the integration of Africa as Secretary General of COMESA form 1991 to 1997. The Authority specifically commended Mutharika for his contribution to the realization of the Abuja Treaty objectives towards African integration.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.comesa.int/ |title=Common Market For Eastern And Southern Africa (Comesa) |publisher=Comesa.int |date=2011-12-02 |accessdate=2012-01-13}}</ref> |
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* Southern Africa Trust Drivers of Change Award (2009) for changing Malawi from a country in perpetual food deficit to one that is entirely food-sufficient. “The boom in this sector has had a direct impact on millions of poor people. Under his leadership, poverty has declined from 58 to 42 percent in five years. Through his direct involvement in turning Malawi's future around, he is building new confidence and hope amongst the citizens of Africa in their governments.”<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.southernafricatrust.org/speech_20091029.html |title=Speeches |publisher=Southernafricatrust.org |date= |accessdate=2012-01-13}}</ref> |
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* 2009 Medal of Glory Awards – “President Mutharika was chosen for the award because of his bold reforms that have resulted in the Malawi green revolution, and Malawi's increase in its economic growth rate from less that 1 percent in 2003, before he took office to more than 9.7 percent in 2008, at the end of his first term office”<ref>{{cite web|author=The African Executive |url=http://www.africanexecutive.com/modules/magazine/articles.php?article=4638 |title=FDA Fetes Bingu Wa Mutharika |publisher=The African Executive |date= |accessdate=2012-01-13}}</ref> |
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* The Most Excellent Grand Commander (MEGC) – Top most award of Malawi order of National Achievement conferred by the Malawi Civilian Honours and Decorations, 6 July 2009{{citation needed|date=January 2012}} |
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* Inaugural Food Agriculture and Natural resources Policy Analysis Network (FANRPAN) Food Security Policy Leadership Award (2008), “for his agricultural policy interventions which have transformed Malawi form a food deficit nation to a net maize exporter”{{citation needed|date=January 2012}} |
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* [[FAO]]'s Agricola Medal (2008) in honour of “his substantial contribution towards transforming the country's economy form a state of food deficit nation to a net exporter of maize”<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fao.org/news/story/en/item/8618/ |title=FAO Media Centre: Malawi President awarded Agricola Medal |publisher=Fao.org |date=2008-11-28 |accessdate=2012-01-13}}</ref> |
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* Louise Blouin Foundation Award for Exceptional Creative Achievement (2008) for making a positive impact on a global scale<ref name="creativeleadershipsummit1">{{cite press release|url=http://www.creativeleadershipsummit.org/2008/downloads/20080921-GCLS_PressRelease_SummitGala.pdf |title=GCLS Summit Gala Press Release |publisher= |date= |accessdate=2012-04-06}}</ref> |
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* Danish Government Award of recognition for outstanding performances in promoting gender equality and women empowerment (2008).<ref name="creativeleadershipsummit1"/> |
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Mutharika has received several honorary degrees including Professor of Economics by East China Normal University, in April 2010; Doctor of Letters (D.Litt) Degree Honoris Causa by the University of Delhi in October, 2010; Doctor of Law (PhD Degree (Honoris Causa), Mzuzu University, in 2008 and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Degree (Honoris Causa), University of Strathclyde, Scotland in 2005.{{citation needed|date=January 2012}} |
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He is the founder and chairman of the Bineth Trust – a nonprofit organization promoting education; Founder of the Silvergrey International; and founder and Chairman of the Bingu Silvergrey Foundation of the elderly and retired persons. He is also the founder of the Malawi University of Science and Technology, the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources; University of Cotton Research at Bangula; the University of Marine biology; the University of Mombera and the University of Nkhotakota. |
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<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://www.fanrpan.org/documents/d00576/FANRPAN_Award_HE_Dr_Bingu_2008.pdf |title= |publisher= |date= |accessdate=2012-04-06}}</ref> |
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==References== |
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{{Reflist|30em}} |
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==External links== |
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* Video: [http://www.unmultimedia.org/tv/webcast/2010/09/malawi-general-debate-65th-session.html Address by President Bingu Wa Mutharika] at the General Debate of the 65th Session of the [[General Assembly of the United Nations]], 23 September 2010. |
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{{s-off}} |
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{{s-bef|before=[[Bakili Muluzi]]}} |
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{{s-ttl|title=[[List of heads of state of Malawi|President of Malawi]]|years=2004–2012}} |
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{{s-aft|after=[[Joyce Banda]]}} |
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|- |
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{{s-dip}} |
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{{s-bef|before=[[Muammar Gaddafi]]}} |
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{{s-ttl|title=[[Chairperson of the African Union]]|years=2010–2011}} |
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{{s-aft|after={{nowrap|[[Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo]]}}}} |
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{{s-end}} |
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{{MalawiPresidents}} |
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{{African Union chairpersons}} |
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{{Persondata <!-- Metadata: see [[Wikipedia:Persondata]] --> |
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| NAME = Mutharika, Bingu wa |
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| ALTERNATIVE NAMES = |
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| SHORT DESCRIPTION = |
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| DATE OF BIRTH = 24 February 1934 |
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| PLACE OF BIRTH = [[Thyolo]], [[Nyasaland]] |
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| DATE OF DEATH = 5 April 2012 |
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| PLACE OF DEATH = [[Lilongwe]], [[Malawi]] |
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}} |
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Mutharika, Bingu Wa}} |
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[[Category:1934 births]] |
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[[Category:2012 deaths]] |
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[[Category:California Miramar University alumni]] |
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[[Category:Deaths from myocardial infarction]] |
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[[Category:Democratic Progressive Party (Malawi) politicians]] |
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[[Category:Malawian economists]] |
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[[Category:Malawian Roman Catholics]] |
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[[Category:People from Thyolo District]] |
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[[Category:Presidents of Malawi]] |
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[[Category:United Democratic Front (Malawi) politicians]] |
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[[Category:University of Delhi alumni]] |
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[[ar:بينجو وا موثاريكا]] |
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[[be:Бінгу ва Мутарыка]] |
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[[be-x-old:Бінгу ва Мутарыка]] |
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[[br:Bingu wa Mutharika]] |
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[[ny:Bingu wa Muntharika]] |
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[[tum:Bingu wa Mutharika]] |
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[[da:Bingu wa Mutharika]] |
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[[et:Bingu wa Mutharika]] |
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[[el:Μπίνγκου γουά Μουταρίκα]] |
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[[es:Bingu wa Mutharika]] |
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[[fr:Bingu wa Mutharika]] |
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[[ka:ბინგუ ვა მუთარიკა]] |
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[[ko:빙구 와 무타리카]] |
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[[id:Bingu wa Mutharika]] |
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[[it:Bingu wa Mutharika]] |
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[[he:בינגו וה מותריקה]] |
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[[ml:ബിംഗുവാ മുത്താരിക]] |
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[[ja:ビング・ワ・ムタリカ]] |
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Revision as of 21:40, 7 April 2012
This article is currently being heavily edited because its subject has recently died. Information about their death and related events may change significantly and initial news reports may be unreliable. The most recent updates to this article may not reflect the most current information. |
Bingu wa Mutharika | |
---|---|
![]() | |
3rd President of Malawi | |
In office 24 May 2004 – 5 April 2012 | |
Vice President | Cassim Chilumpha Joyce Banda |
Preceded by | Bakili Muluzi |
Succeeded by | Joyce Banda[1] |
Chairperson of the African Union | |
In office 31 January 2010 – 31 January 2011 | |
Preceded by | Muammar Gaddafi |
Succeeded by | Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo |
Personal details | |
Born | Thyolo, Nyasaland (now Malawi) | 24 February 1934
Died | 6 April 2012 Lilongwe, Malawi | (aged 78)
Political party | United Democratic Front (Before 2005) Democratic Progressive Party (2005–2012) |
Spouse(s) | Ethel Mutharika (Before 2007) Callista Chimombo (2010–2012) |
Children | 4 |
Alma mater | University of Delhi California Miramar University |
Profession | Economist |
Bingu wa Mutharika (24 February 1934 – 5 April 2012) was a Malawian politician and economist who was President of Malawi from May 2004 until his death. He was also the president of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, which has a majority in Malawi's parliament as a result of the 2009 general election. During his two terms in office he was noted for presiding over the African Union, as well as several domestic controversies. He died of a heart attack in Lilongwe on 5 April 2012.[3][4]
Early life and career
Bingu wa Mutharika was born Ryson Webster Thom[5] on 24 February 1934 in Thyolo. Mutharika's parents, Ryson Thom Mutharika and Eleni Thom Mutharika, were both members of the Church of Scotland Mission which later became CCAP. His father was a teacher for 37 years and his mother taught the women of the Mvano group.
Upon completing his primary education at Ulongwe Mission and Chingoli, Mulanje, Ntambanyama, Malamulo, in Thyolo and Henri Henderson Institute in Blantyre, Mutharika obtained a Grade A Cambridge Overseas School Leaving Certificate at Dedza Secondary School in 1956. In 1964, he was one of the 32 Malawians selected by Hastings Kamuzu Banda (President of Malawi 1961-1994) to travel to India on an Indira Gandhi scholarship for 'fast track' diplomas. The BBC reports that he went to India to "escape then President Hastings Banda's crackdown on political opponents". At some point during the 1960s, he also changed his name, to Bingu wa Mutharika.[5] In India, Mutharika earned his Bachelor's degree in Economics. Subsequently, he attended the Delhi School of Economics graduating with a M.A. degree in Economics. He later obtained a Ph.D. degree in Development Economics from Pacific Western University of Los Angeles, California (USA). Mutharika also completed short courses on Business Management, Financial Analysis, Trade Promotion, Political Leadership, regional Economic Co-operation and Human Relations.[6]
Mutharika served in the Malawi civil service. He has served as Administrative Officer in the Government of Malawi and Zambia. He was offered the Deputy Governorship of the reserve Bank of Malawi and appointed Minister of Economic Planning and Development in 2002.[citation needed]
He also worked at the World Bank as a Loans Officer and at the United Nations Economic Commission of Africa, as Director of Trade and Development Finance and as Secretary General of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa COMESA, covering 22 Member States [7][8][9]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/06/Bingu_wa_Mutharika_with_Obamas.jpg/220px-Bingu_wa_Mutharika_with_Obamas.jpg)
Presidential campaigns (1999–2009)
Mutharika co-founded the United Democratic Front in 1992. In 1999, he stood as a candidate in the presidential election, finishing last.[5]
President
Mutharika was nominated by then President Muluzi as his successor. Mutharika won the presidential election on 20 May, 2004, ahead of John Tembo and Gwanda Chakuamba, and took office a few days later.[10]
On 7 October 2006, Mutharika stated his intention to seek re-election in the 2009 presidential election as the DPP candidate.[11] Two years later, in October 2008, the DPP's national governing council unanimously chose Mutharika as the party's candidate for the 2009 election,[12] which he won with 66.7% of the vote.[13]
First term
During President Mutharika's first term in office (2004–2008), the country achieved a high rate of agricultural production and food security. The President's initiatives, centred on a programme of agricultural subsidy, benefited approximately 1,700,000 resource poor smallholder farmers. In the 2005/2006 crop season, Malawi achieved a food surplus of more than 500,000 metric tons. During the 2008/2009 planting season, food surpluses topped 1.3 million metric tons. This agricultural policy was widely regarded as successful but expensive, and was curtailed in 2011.[14]
Second term
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c6/Lula_Mutharika.jpg/300px-Lula_Mutharika.jpg)
In 2009, Malawi's Ministry of Finance estimated that during the previous four years the share of Malawians living below the poverty line fell from 52 percent to 40 percent. This has been attributed to the country's agricultural policies, which have been seen as pioneering in the context of African economic development.[15]
In addition to championing food security in Malawi, Mutharika promoted a similar approach for Africa. While Chairman of the African Union in 2010,[16] the President laid down a road map for Africa to achieve sustainability and food security.[17] He proposed a new partnership with other African nations, which he called the “African Food Basket”,[18] outlining a strategy incorporating subsidies to small farmers, especially women, improvements in irrigation, and improving agriculture and food security over 5 years through innovative interventions that comprise subsidies, increased budgetary allocations, private sector investment and affordable information and communications technology. Approximately half of the country's subsistence farmers received vouchers which provided discounts on maize seed and fertilizer. To sustain the program, the Malawi Government allocated 11 percent of its budget for 2010/2011 to agriculture, continuing a rare record of commitment on this scale in Africa. The level of investment in the programme was reduced in 2011.[14]
Mutharika has been accused of trying to sideline and isolate his vice-president, Joyce Banda. He kicked her out of the party in 2010, but she still remained the vice-president of the country. As a result of the Cochrane-Dyet 2011 cable controversy that accused Mutharika of being increasingly 'arrogant' and 'autocratic', he expelled the British High Commissioner.[19]
In 2011, days of nationwide protests occurred, sparked by worsening fuel shortages, rising prices and high unemployment. Malawi's health ministry confirmed 18 deaths in the northern cities of Karonga and Mzuzu as a result of police using live ammunition to quell protests.[20] Mutharika was unapologetic and said that he would "smoke out" all his enemies. This was accompanied by a crack-down on Malawian journalists, human rights activists, and lawyers, including Ralph Kasambara.[21] Other events that marred his presidency were the activities surrounding the 2011 academic freedom stand-off between the President and University, and the death of student activist Robert Chasowa.
Chairperson of the African Union
On 31 January, 2010, Mutharika replaced Muammar al-Gaddafi as chairperson of the African Union after Gaddafi's attempt to run as the African Union chairperson for an additional year failed.[22] Mutharika was Malawi's first head of state to assume the position of chairperson.[23] In his acceptance speech he said that "Africa is not a poor continent, but the African population are poor" and called for "Africa to develop Africa". He shared his vision for the African Food Basket Initiative by making food security a priority in his agenda.
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/24/Group_photo_of_the_2010_G-20_Toronto_summit_family_photo.jpg/220px-Group_photo_of_the_2010_G-20_Toronto_summit_family_photo.jpg)
On 4 April he attended the 50th anniversary in celebration of Senegalese independence as the African Union chairperson. He also attended the G8 summit in Canada and the G20 Summit in Seoul, South Korea.[24]
On 26 July, he attended the African Union summit in Kampala, Uganda,[24] where he comdemned the International Criminal Court (ICC) for issuing a warrant to arrest Omar al Bashir because it undermined African authority.[24] They adopted the African Food Basket Initiative here which was presented to the UN on 29 September.[24] On 6 September, he attended the inauguration of Rwandan President Paul Kagame.[24] He attended the Iran-Africa Conference, which aimed at strengthening ties between Iran and African countries.[24] During a speech at Boston University, Mutharika defended his subsidy program and noted that although Western countries say African governments should not subsidise agriculture, Western governments subsidise their own farmers.[24] Malawi hosted Africas first conference that brought together Ministers of Agriculture in Africa where they were urged to fight for subsidies in agriculture.[24] He did not attend the Africa-EU Trade summit in Libya but no official reason was provided for this move.[24] During his tenure, he joined international calls for Laurent Gbagbo to accept defeat in 2010 elections in the Ivory Coast.[24]
Family and personal life
He was married to Zimbawean Ethel Zvauya Mutharika, with whom he had four children. Ethel died of cancer on 28 May 2007. In 2010, Mutharika announced he planned to marry Callista Chimombo, a former Minister of Tourism. The two were married on 1 May, 2010.[24]
Mutharika has a brother, Peter Mutharika, who was a lecturer at Washington University in St Louis. In May 2009, he was elected to the Malawian Parliament, and was subsequently appointed to the Malawi Cabinet as Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs. He has held other cabinet positions.
Death
Bingu wa Mutharika died of a massive heart attack on 5 April 2012, at the age of 78,[3][25][26] after being admitted to a hospital. The media reported "chaotic scenes" after his wife, Callista, and other cabinet members were leaving the hospital. His condition was initially announced as "critical". Vice President Joyce Banda wished him a quick recovery. In reaction, police were deployed across the national capital with 15 Army officers posted at the Vice President's residence.[27]
Titles, honours and awards
Mutharika received the following awards:
- The United Nations Special Millennium development Goal Award (2010) for success towards eliminating hunger by enhancing food security ahead of the 2015 MDG deadline (Goal 1 – ending poverty and hunger) [28]
- COMESA Distinguished Award (2010) for exceptional leadership and distinguished service to COMESA and the integration of Africa as Secretary General of COMESA form 1991 to 1997. The Authority specifically commended Mutharika for his contribution to the realization of the Abuja Treaty objectives towards African integration.[29]
- Southern Africa Trust Drivers of Change Award (2009) for changing Malawi from a country in perpetual food deficit to one that is entirely food-sufficient. “The boom in this sector has had a direct impact on millions of poor people. Under his leadership, poverty has declined from 58 to 42 percent in five years. Through his direct involvement in turning Malawi's future around, he is building new confidence and hope amongst the citizens of Africa in their governments.”[30]
- 2009 Medal of Glory Awards – “President Mutharika was chosen for the award because of his bold reforms that have resulted in the Malawi green revolution, and Malawi's increase in its economic growth rate from less that 1 percent in 2003, before he took office to more than 9.7 percent in 2008, at the end of his first term office”[31]
- The Most Excellent Grand Commander (MEGC) – Top most award of Malawi order of National Achievement conferred by the Malawi Civilian Honours and Decorations, 6 July 2009[citation needed]
- Inaugural Food Agriculture and Natural resources Policy Analysis Network (FANRPAN) Food Security Policy Leadership Award (2008), “for his agricultural policy interventions which have transformed Malawi form a food deficit nation to a net maize exporter”[citation needed]
- FAO's Agricola Medal (2008) in honour of “his substantial contribution towards transforming the country's economy form a state of food deficit nation to a net exporter of maize”[32]
- Louise Blouin Foundation Award for Exceptional Creative Achievement (2008) for making a positive impact on a global scale[33]
- Danish Government Award of recognition for outstanding performances in promoting gender equality and women empowerment (2008).[33]
Mutharika has received several honorary degrees including Professor of Economics by East China Normal University, in April 2010; Doctor of Letters (D.Litt) Degree Honoris Causa by the University of Delhi in October, 2010; Doctor of Law (PhD Degree (Honoris Causa), Mzuzu University, in 2008 and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Degree (Honoris Causa), University of Strathclyde, Scotland in 2005.[citation needed]
He is the founder and chairman of the Bineth Trust – a nonprofit organization promoting education; Founder of the Silvergrey International; and founder and Chairman of the Bingu Silvergrey Foundation of the elderly and retired persons. He is also the founder of the Malawi University of Science and Technology, the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources; University of Cotton Research at Bangula; the University of Marine biology; the University of Mombera and the University of Nkhotakota. [34]
References
- ^ "Joyce Banda assumes Malawi presidency". Al Jazeera. 7 April 2012. Retrieved 7 April 2012.
- ^ Tenthani, Raphael (10 August 2007). "Profile: Bingu wa Mutharika". BBC News. Retrieved April 26, 2010.
- ^ a b "Malawi President Mutharika dead: government sources". Reuters. 6 April 2012.
- ^ "Malawi President Bingu wa Mutharika dies". Nyasa Times. 5 April 2012. Retrieved 5 April 2012.
- ^ a b c "Malawi's President Mutharika treated for cardiac arrest", BBC News, 6 April 2012
- ^ NetNewsPublisher. "African Union elects president of Malawi as new chairman". Netnewspublisher.com. Retrieved 2012-01-13.
- ^ Wellen, Russ (2011-08-11). "Malawi Makes, Africa Takes?". FPIF. Retrieved 2012-01-13.
- ^ "Country Profile". Thedignityproject.org.uk. Retrieved 2012-01-13.
- ^ Bingu Wa Mutharika (At a Glance). "allAfrica.com: myAfrica - People". Myafrica.allafrica.com. Retrieved 2012-01-13.
- ^ "Ecosocc". Ecosocc-au.org. Retrieved 2012-01-13.
- ^ "Malawian president reveals ambitions for re-election", Xinhua (People's Daily Online), 9 October 2006.
- ^ "Malawi's Mutharika nominated for re-election", AFP, 22 October 2008.
- ^ "2009 Results Reports". Mec.org.mw. Retrieved 2012-01-13.
- ^ a b "IRIN Africa | MALAWI: Farm subsidy programme shrinks | Malawi | Economy | Food Security | Governance". Irinnews.org. 2011-10-13. Retrieved 2012-01-13.
- ^ Harsch, Ernest (2010-11-23). "Africa Renewal Magazine | Investing in Africa's farms — and its future". United Nations. Retrieved 2012-01-13.
- ^ "African Union". Au.int. Retrieved 2012-01-13.
- ^ McLure, Jason (2010-01-31). "Malawi's Mutharika Named Next African Union Chairman (Update1)". Bloomberg. Retrieved 2012-01-13.
- ^ ""It is possible for Africa to become the food basket of the world," says Mutharika". NEPAD. 2010-10-28. Retrieved 2012-01-13.
- ^ Mponda, Felix (6 April 2012). "Malawi president dies, leaving nation in suspense". Yahoo! News. AFP. Retrieved April 6, 2012.
- ^ Mapondera, Godfrey. "Malawi protesters killed during anti-regime riots". The Guardian. Retrieved 25 January 2012.
- ^ Banda, Mabvuto (6 April 2012). "Obituary: Mutharika, Malawi's flawed 'economist-in-chief'". ChicagoTribune.com. Reuters. Retrieved April 6, 2012.
- ^ [1][dead link]
- ^ [2][dead link]
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Sonani, Bright (30 December 2010). "The year Bingu assumed AU chairmanship". Nation on Sunday.
- ^ "Malawi President Bingu wa Mutharika dies". Nyasa Times. 5 April 2012. Retrieved 5 April 2012.
- ^ "President of Malawi dies after heart attack". CNN. 5 April 2012. Retrieved 5 April 2012.
- ^ "Malawi president 'in critical condition' - Africa". Al Jazeera English. 2011-10-04. Retrieved 2012-04-06.
- ^ "MDG Awards Post-Event PR" (PDF) (Press release). Retrieved 2012-04-06.
- ^ "Common Market For Eastern And Southern Africa (Comesa)". Comesa.int. 2011-12-02. Retrieved 2012-01-13.
- ^ "Speeches". Southernafricatrust.org. Retrieved 2012-01-13.
- ^ The African Executive. "FDA Fetes Bingu Wa Mutharika". The African Executive. Retrieved 2012-01-13.
- ^ "FAO Media Centre: Malawi President awarded Agricola Medal". Fao.org. 2008-11-28. Retrieved 2012-01-13.
- ^ a b "GCLS Summit Gala Press Release" (PDF) (Press release). Retrieved 2012-04-06.
- ^ (Press release) http://www.fanrpan.org/documents/d00576/FANRPAN_Award_HE_Dr_Bingu_2008.pdf. Retrieved 2012-04-06.
{{cite press release}}
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External links
- Video: Address by President Bingu Wa Mutharika at the General Debate of the 65th Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations, 23 September 2010.
- Recent deaths
- 1934 births
- 2012 deaths
- California Miramar University alumni
- Deaths from myocardial infarction
- Democratic Progressive Party (Malawi) politicians
- Malawian economists
- Malawian Roman Catholics
- People from Thyolo District
- Presidents of Malawi
- United Democratic Front (Malawi) politicians
- University of Delhi alumni