Bingu wa Mutharika
Bingu wa Mutharika (/muˈtærɪkə/; born Brightson Webster Ryson Thom; 24 February 1934 – 5 April 2012) was a Malawian politician and economist who was President of Malawi from May 2004 until his death in April 2012. He was also President of the Democratic Progressive Party, which he founded in February 2005; it obtained a majority in Malawi's parliament in the 2009 general election.
Bingu wa Mutharika | |
|---|---|
Mutharika in 2009 | |
| 3rd President of Malawi | |
| In office 24 May 2004 – 5 April 2012 | |
| Vice President | |
| Preceded by | Bakili Muluzi |
| Succeeded by | Joyce Banda |
| 8th Chairperson of the African Union | |
| In office 31 January 2010 – 31 January 2011 | |
| Preceded by | Muammar Gaddafi |
| Succeeded by | Teodoro Obiang Nguema |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Brightson Webster Ryson Thom 24 February 1934 Thyolo, Nyasaland |
| Died | 5 April 2012 (aged 78) Lilongwe, Malawi |
| Nationality | Malawian |
| Political party | DPP (2005–2012) |
| Other political affiliations | UDF (1986–2005) |
| Spouses | |
| Children | 4 |
| Relatives | Peter Mutharika (brother) |
| Alma mater | University of Delhi California Miramar University |
| Profession | Economist |
During his two terms in office, he was noted for being the Chairperson of the African Union in 2010–2011, as well as for several domestic controversies. In 2009, he purchased a private presidential jet for $13.26 million. This was followed almost immediately by a nationwide fuel shortage, which was officially blamed on logistical problems but was more likely due to the hard currency shortage caused by the freezing of aid by the international community. He died in office from a cardiac arrest on 5 April 2012, at age 78.