Malawi’s President Bingu wa Mutharikahas been admitted to hospital after
suffering a cardiac arrest.
Mr Mutharika, 78, is unconscious in the
intensive care unit of a hospital in the
capital, Lilongwe, after falling ill on Thursday
morning. Several family and cabinet members,
including his brother, Foreign Minister
Peter Mutharika, are at the clinic.
Accusations of economic
mismanagement and nepotism have
recently sparked violent protests against his rule.
Peter Mutharika, are at the clinic.
Accusations of economic
mismanagement and nepotism have
recently sparked violent protests against his rule.
The president has also faced a bitter
power struggle from within his
Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).
Mr Mutharika came to power in a 2004
election, and was re-elected with a
large majority five years later. After the 2009 election, he
dramatically abandoned his United
Democratic Front party to form the
DPP.
Since then, critics allege he has
demonstrated an increasingly authoritarian streak.
power struggle from within his
Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).
Mr Mutharika came to power in a 2004
election, and was re-elected with a
large majority five years later. After the 2009 election, he
dramatically abandoned his United
Democratic Front party to form the
DPP.
Since then, critics allege he has
demonstrated an increasingly authoritarian streak.
The criticism has led to a souring in
relations with major foreign aid
donors, especially the United
Kingdom.
Malawi is one of the poorest countries
in the world, with an estimated 75% of the population
relations with major foreign aid
donors, especially the United
Kingdom.
Malawi is one of the poorest countries
in the world, with an estimated 75% of the population
living on less than $1
(60p) a day. The country has suffered shortages of
fuel and foreign currency since the UK
and other donors cut aid in 2010.
(60p) a day. The country has suffered shortages of
fuel and foreign currency since the UK
and other donors cut aid in 2010.
