This April, Joyce Banda unexpectedly became Malawi's first female president after the death of President Bingu wa Mutharika.

FORBES: Joyce Banda

Malawi welcomed al-Bashir last year for a regional trade meeting when the country was led by President Bingu wa Mutharika.

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The sudden death of nearby Malawi's president, Bingu wa Mutharika, from a heart attack on April 5th, has helped to focus concern.

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They are accused of plotting to prevent then Vice-President Joyce Banda from taking over after the death of President Bingu wa Mutharika.

BBC: Africa

Former leader Bingu wa Mutharika, who died in office in April, was widely criticised for a poor human rights record and mismanaging the economy.

BBC: Malawi: IMF set to give $157m loan after Banda reforms

In a speech on state media, President Bingu wa Mutharika warned the perpetrators to stop the attacks, saying women have a right to wear what they want.

CNN: SHARE THIS

In Malawi nearly 20 protesters died at the hands of Bingu wa Mutharika's riot police last month - how will we deal with him should he order more killings?

BBC: African viewpoint: Caged comeuppance?

Although Ms Banda was elected as Bingu wa Mutharika's running mate, the pair had fallen out long before he died of a heart attack last April, after it became apparent that he wanted his brother to succeed him.

BBC: Peter Mutharika and others on Malawi treason charges

"(The) Malawi Congress Party ... will not accept the results if Dr. Bingu wa Mutharika and the Democratic Progressive Party are declared winners in these elections, " the opposition party said in a statement signed by Tembo late Thursday, according to Malawi's Daily Times.

CNN: Malawi's Mutharika wins second term