Southern Africa's first woman president sworn in

Saturday 07 April 2012 22:24 BST

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Malawi's former vice-president, Joyce Banda, has been sworn in as president following the death of Bingu wa Mutharika, becoming southern Africa's first female head of state.

Ms Banda, 62, who had been vice-president since 2009, was cheered and applauded before, during and after the ceremony.

Mr Mutharika, 78, went into cardiac arrest on Thursday, although his death was not confirmed until yesterday.

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Southern Africa's first woman president sworn in

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