President Bingu wa Mutharika of Malawi has died, doctors and cabinet ministers have told the BBC, but this has not been officially announced.
One of the doctors who treated Mr Mutharika, 78, said the president was “clinically dead” on Thursday after suffering a cardiac arrest.State media are still reporting that he has been flown to South Africa for medical treatment.
If confirmed, his death would spark a constitutional crisis, analysts say.
According to the constitution, the vice-president takes over if the head of state is incapacitated or dies in office.
But Vice-President Joyce Banda and Mr Mutharika fell out after a row over the succession in 2010, and she was expelled from the ruling Democratic People’s Party (DPP).
Mr Mutharika’s brother, Foreign Minister Peter Mutharika, was chosen instead of Ms Banda to be the DPP’s presidential candidate in the 2014 elections.
He has been standing in for the president when needed during official occasions. Ms Banda recently told the BBC she had not spoken to Bingu wa Mutharika for more than a year.
The BBC’s Raphael Tenthani in the main city, Blantyre, says ministers met all night to discuss the situation.
The doctors and ministers say that Mr Mutharika’s body was taken to South Africa while a decision is taken about what to do next.
Government sources have told the BBC that efforts to resuscitate President Mutharika had failed and that an official announcement is being prepared.
Mr Mutharika, a former World Bank economist, came to power in a 2004 election. Soon afterwards, he dramatically abandoned his United Democratic Front (UDF) party to form the DPP, after accusing leading UDF members of opposing his campaign against corruption.
Since being re-elected with a large majority in 2009, critics allege he has demonstrated an increasingly authoritarian streak.
The president has been under mounting pressure to resign, amid accusations of nepotism and economic mismanagement.The criticism has led to a souring in relations with major foreign aid donors, especially the United Kingdom.
Last year, Mr Mutharika expelled the UK High Commissioner, Fergus Cochrane-Dyet, after a leaked embassy cable quoted the diplomat as saying that the president could not tolerate criticism.
The Malawian leader said he could not accept “insults” just because the UK was his country’s largest aid donor.
In response, the UK expelled the Malawian envoy to London and cut direct aid.
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 cancelled aid.
[ZNBC]
Phew! That was close. Ukwa can now come out of hiding.Â
Hahahahaha, old leaders, we have to stop the tradition.
Yes he can come out now hahahahahaha
why do you call the man ukwa
RIP.The prophesy has been fulfilled?
Mwanawasa reconciled with Sata, few months later he died & it has happened to Chief Chitimukulu and Wa Mutharika. Please never reconcile with Sata.
Am I mistaken to assume that you are a white man’s worshipper, looking at what you decided to call yourself??
Let’s mourn, not plays games! Wise up! Sata has reconciled with millions of people who have lived.Â
Hahahaha, excellent observation. The man has got a poisoned chalice.
Rubbish statement.
Tel the world
The death of president is painfull.we remember Levy.
Has TB Joshua’s prophecy fulfilled or it has just happened at the right time. Rest in peace Bingu.
@ 3 Black Peopkle Bad Manager (BPBM) bad manners, of all things you just connect events like that! Dont make people laugh when they are supposed to be mourning. GOD BLESS ZAMBIA.
Africa must start giving younger citizens a chance to lead. The problem with the older leaders is that once in power they do not want to retire, worse still they would rather handpick their kith and kin to take over.
@ 8 Distant Drums.My dear bro,the problem we have is finding younger citizens we can trust.Frankly speaking,the old people are supposed to be resting although i know death comes on anyone.And according to statistics as of now,more young people are dying than the old  in Zambia.But if you find for example,someone calling himself a doctor when all he has done is read a biology book,how do you trust such a young citizen?
As a true MUSLIM, he should be buried the same day! Or has he already been buried?
He wasnt a Muslim…he was a Catholic
Arafat and Gaddafi were not buried the same day.. were they?
So he was ill? MHSRIP.
TB Joshua has killed this man.
speechless, death is painful especially to the loved ones.. my condolences Malawi
I liked his speeches. May His Soul Rest in Peace
Will Ukwa be attending the funeral? Is Ukwa compos mentis?
I was attending a funeral church service of a fellow expertriate Dr and next to me was a Malawani workmate when i got an sms about any african leader was about to die? I felt bad and now that he has died its more painful. To number 3 read prov 17: 5. Your favorite president that you want will also come and go. As for now God has chosen MCS to lead zambia.
Its sad and painful to lose a president. MY CONDOLENCES TO MALAWI. I remember Levy and what we had to go through and tears roll from my eyes thinking of what Malawians are going through. May God give you strength to pull through this difficult time.
RIP – constitutional crisis indeed. I pray our neighbours have the wisdom to do what is best for the country.
It is a sad moment for Africa. Let’s mourn with respect and in peace.Â
TB Joshua said that he saw trouble in the same country where the leader died.Let’s pray for our neighbours that peace will prevail.
The doubting THomases toProphet TBJoshuas’s prophesies take note of Mutharikas death.Infact he started talikng about it last year but 2wks ago he said it was drawing nearer.I thank God for raising up such a servant in our life time Glory be to God.
I still doubt that that TB Joshua is a prophet. Whose benefit was this and many other prophecies for? To prove that he can foretell? It has to be for the benefit of the church and not otherwise. I reckon it was just a coincidence! Remember the devil has power to fulfill these things? The question is does he represent the son of man, humility, servitude, seeking the lost, keeping his God’s commandments etc. Test all theseÂ
RIP-very painful to loose great leaders.
WITH THE DEATH OF MALAWIS DICTATOR MUTHAKIRA MALAWI WILL SOON RETURN TO GET BACK WITH U.K. AND THE EU DONOUR COUNTRIES. GOOD LUCK TO PEOPLE OF MALAWI
Why do African governments perpetually live in denial? The Malawian government denied that the president had died while the online paper Nyasa Times said they had credible information that the president was no more. Please be honest with the people
forgive them they are just too confused right now. the man died yesterday before he even got to hospital so they flew a dead body to SA! and they are still failing to tell the country the truth
And now Mmembe has announced this loudly as breaking news.When it comes to UKWA he accuses others of jubilating.Keeps entraping himself in various issues.UKWA or Bob is next,probably before 16th
Is it entrapment to enquire if you’ll be back with an update on the 17th :)
@ A Phiri
I said “probably” meaning it may or may not happen.And frankly,I wish and pray it doesnt happen.I love UKWA,I love Zambia.I assure you,I will be back on 17th:)
:)Â
Constititution crisis, Zambia take heed!
TB Joshua is predicting something already known. In Africa all the presidents are old so I too predict another death soon.
# 9 Chanda Nsema: There is big difference between a Muslim and a President. Bingu Mutarika is/was a Malawian President. He can be buried whenever they want, and I guess he will be incinerated in South Africa.
TB Joshua is a mere businessman since when have men of god started prophesying doom and football results, hell’s hottest fires are reserved for the likes of him. Only in Africa do you see these thieves prosper as we are too gullible.Â
MHSRIP
SATA IS PURCHING BLOODY…
The death of Malawi president its a Special Easter gift to the People of Malawi as we have Suffered more than enough with his leadership, My fellow Zambian brothers and Sisters lets join hands as we are Cerebrating for the death of dictator Bingu wa Muthalika, Malawi woyeeee! Zambia woyeeee!
Please let’s raid Malawi. We can do with a new province since we are losing Western Province. VIVA Anarchy, VIVA havoc!
Tiye uko, sha!
What about paying your condolences to Malawians?
I see no reason for condolences. Let close friends to the family do that. This death is widely celebrated in Malawi. You have no idea. Pro Havoc! Pro Anarchy! For I come to steal, kill and destroy!
yuo are a fool
EASTERN PROVINCE WAS PART OF NYASALAND. MR CHARACTER ASSISSIN TAKE NOTE . Â EASTERN PROVINCE IS A MALAWI PROVINCE
KAKAÂ
MALAWI
MALAWI WILL SOON BE PROGRESS ONCE AGAIN AFTER THE DEMISE OF BINGU MUTHAKIRA.THIS DICTATOR HAD MALAWI TO STAND STILL AFTER CUTTING OFF DIPLOMATIC TIES WITH U.K AND THE EUROPEAN UNION DONORS.PETROL SHORTAGE AND FOREX WILL SOON BE A THING OF THE PAST. BLESSING IN DISGUISE FOR ZAMBIAN PRESIDENT M.C.SATA.RIP BWINGU AND CONDOLANCES TO PEOPLE OF MALAWI. GOD BLESS MALAWI.
Kachigama, let us not celebrate. You people need to deal with what makes you have dictators all the time. Your Vice president already looks arrogant and “know-it-all”…so dont celebrate Mbingu (Bingu???) is dead instead pray for a spirit/culture of democracy in your country.
Joyce Banda will handle this just like Rupiah banda did….. mutundu wa ulemu.
A banda anthu a nzeru kwambiri…anthu opanda tsanko kapena chwembu…Go joyce go
………………………….
Mbingu was or is one of the finest intellectuals and Economists Africa has ever produced.
MHSRIP
manje tonse tizayenda kumanda ONE DAY…RIP.Did yoswa induce the heart attack.
@ 32 Character Assassin 00 mock iwe tawaleka imisango iyo? GOD BLESS ZAMBIA
Ladies and Gentlemen, lets pray for our brothers and sisters in Malawi as the Bible clearly puts is that love your neighbour as you love yourself. This is breaking NEWS!!! It has nothing to do Membe announcing. BBC reoprts as BREAKING NEWS as well. When you comment remember what we went through as country when we lost our LEVY and this is what the citizen of that country are going through. As for TB Joshua, whay is it he publise the prophecy on death? I take him to be a prophet of DOOM. God we pray that send your SON to come and fetch us home.
MHSRIP god bless you Malawians we are with you throughout.
TB joshua should apologize. A wrong president has died
Zambians need to distance themselves from people like TB Joshua. It is true that he can predict the future, but whether those powers are from God is another issue. Remember Jesus was never paid for his work nor did he seek political or economic success.
Anyhow the Word of God is very clear about such people. I will put a list of all deviants that Christians MUST avoid:
Astrologers; bohmos; channelers; charters; clairvoyants; crystal healers; crystals; fortune tellers; mediums; the New Age Movement; occult seers; palm, tea leaf, or tarot card readers; psychics; santeros; satanic cults; spirit guides; witches; witchdoctors; and, Voodoo
TB Joshua is one of the above. There is no need for Christians to know the future! We need to put our trust in God and not fellow men
Observer, have you read Isaiah or Jeremiah??? Jeremiah in particular prophesied the fall of Jerusalem and Nebuchadnezzar’s victory. Daniel and Joseph could see the future through dreams/interpretation. It is better to heed than to deny a prophesy, especially when youhave nothing to lose from believing it. What money did TB Joshua ask from Malawi or its president?
@Delele Mulembwe. You are free to take my advice or leave it. I warn you that you should never use the services of these ‘prophets’ and their occult methods. Trust in God, not in man. Africans have replaced witch doctors with these so-called men of god or ‘prophets’. Just changing the name of someone is not enough. In Genesis we are told that pharaohs people could also perform the same wonders that Moses was doing. Again, you can take my advice or leave it
Observer, point taken…I hope you are not a prophet as well…ma jealous ma jealous men of God!
Actually you have guessed right. Due to a relationship with Christ, I can carry out certain operations which some of these ‘prophets’ get paid for. I do not belong to any church, nor am I baptised. God has given us the tools to fight the evil one and it is very simple and any believer can use them. These men are exploiting Africans due to our fears and lack of trust in Christ. Our politicians and leaders secretly visit these men, so that they can defeat their opponents. I do not find it strange that it is Mbingu that has died. Examine this relationship: CHILUBA-VERA-MBINGU. See that pattern?
Keep away from false prophets, you already have everything that you need to develop a relationship with God.
Lesson to others, just know that if you have a deputy called Banda, you will not live long. My Condolences to the Zambian province of Malawi.
Rest in peace,father,husband,brother and president
MALAWI SOON BE A BETTER MALAWI AFTER THE FALL OF BINGU.PEOPLE OF MALAWI HAS SUFFERED ENOUGH THROUGH THIS TYRANT.GOD HAS BLESSES MALAWIANS WITH THE BIGGEST GIFT FOR THIS YEARS EASTERS CELEBRATIONS. ZAMBIA HAS NOW A BETTER OPPORTUNITY TO TO DO BUSINESS WITH MALAWI WHEN THE NEW PRESIDENT JOYCE BANDA WILL BE SWORNED IN HOPEFULLY. NEXT IN LINE WILL BE ROBERT MUGABE
Kachigamba, you need to mend your patches in your language. Malawi has always had dictators and your Vice-President equally looks arrogant and “know-it-all” so dont count your democratic-chickens yet.
Only in Africa! hiding a presidential corpse in the hope that it will suddenly resurrect. They just want to sabotage Joyce Banda…just wait and see. Prophet Joshua, needs to leave us along, please.
Condolences to our brothers in Malawi, we will send RB to attend funeral since Mmembe may not be happy for us to attend.
pepani pasani udindo kwa a mai banda!
Condolences Malawi on the death of your presient
Damn! when the prophecy came out…i had hoped it would be Mugabe. Hey TB Joshua…..how soon will another presido die.
Condolences to our Malawian brothers and sisters. Advice to African leaders. Retire from active politics after 70 years!
Condolences to our Malawian brothers and sisters. Advice to African leaders. Retire from active politics once you reach 70 years old.
Condolences to all Malawians.
Achimwene my condolences. May the soul of your president find eternal peace
Malawian doctors declared the dictator clinically kaput when he was brought in ‘BID’ but his brother and cabinet 70% made up of his tribesmates airlifted the ‘cargo’ to South Africa for a so called ‘second opinion’ as they try to scheme an evil plan to prevent Joyce Banda from taking over the instruments of power. Zambians must beware, Sata is busy dying of prostate cancer and heart disease. You better force him to relinguish power now or else you will be faced with the same constitutional crisis and given your Barotseland problem, this could destroy the country. For once, these corpses must stop campaigning for state funerals, they are expensive ventures we as a developing country can ill afford.
Awe chabipa mwe!!!!!!!
For sure i now understand what my coligues are saying on here. never ever reconcil with sata or you will die. the man is very very evil. Only God will take him down. he has very very bad juju, which just takes people like hell
Tb joshuas prophecies are fake, they are not godly but from his father the devil meant sorely to entice pipo to put more money in his pocket. Bloggers of what use are his predictions? ITS PURELY BIZNESS VENTURE 2GETHER WITH UNSEEN FORCE BEHIND IT
R.I.P wa Mutharika and we condole our Malawian brothers.I think that its time for Africa to start looking for younger leaders who’ll bring more vigour,vitality and fresh ideas.
woodwork? Respect the masses.
MHSRP… Sata has appointed Joyce Banda as Malawi next president. Happy easter folks..
You Mean MALAWI, has no Funeral Parlor?? Why take a dead body to South Africa? Wastage of Poor Malawian peoples, money. This man was so bad to his people; Malawians have no respect for him. Especially that he wanted his brother to take over?? What a way to depart.
Ooh Ba Vera Chiluba would have been a widow again. MHSRIP.