African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson Jean Ping sent a message of condolences to Malawi’s new President Joyce Banda over the death of her predecessor Bingu Wa Mutharika, the pan-African bloc said on Monday. According to a statement released by the African Union (AU), the chairperson on his and the AUC’s behalf extended condolences and sympathy to the government and people of Malawi, especially the bereaved family. He said President Mutharika rendered long and dedicated service for his country, Africa and the world in several capacities. The late president has served his country as administrative officer, deputy governor of the Reserve Bank of Malawi and minister for economic planning and development. He also served the Common Market for Eastern and Southern (COMESA), the World Bank and the United Nations and culminated it all with the presidency of his country from 2004 until his death last week. During this period he was rightfully credited with boosting Malawi’s economy, especially in the agricultural sector.

Joyce Banda, who had been vice-president since 2009, was sworn in on Saturday as president following the death of Mutharika.

She becomes southern Africa’s first female head of state after taking the oath before parliament in the Malawian capital Lilongwe.