| The news of Malawi President Joyce Banda declaring her country would not be hosting the 19th AU Summit in July caused ripple effects in the African community.
Her reasons were centered around the summit's inclusion of Sudan's leader Omar al-Bashir, wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) on genocide and war crime charges. Banda said that as a member state of the ICC her country is obliged to cooperate fully with its investigations and prosecution of war crimes, meaning al-Bashir was not wanted.
Malawi's move should be seen in the context of decisions by other African states in relation to al-Bashir. In 2009 he canceled trips to South Africa to attend President Jacob Zuma's inauguration, and a trip to Uganda; he did not attend the 50th anniversary of the independence of the Central African Republic (CAR) in 2010, and also did not attend Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni's inauguration in May 2011. South Africa, Uganda and CAR are all member state signatories of the ICC, obviously having a major bearing on al-Bashir's decision-making process at those times.
Although critics have pointed out that Malawi has previously allowed al-Bashir into the country, that happened under a previous head of state.
Banda has endeared herself to her own people, many in Africa and the international community. Her modus operandi is clearly geared toward ramping up trade, luring back investment, and dragging the country away from the ranks of the world's poorest nations.
Since taking office on April 7, Banda has wasted no time in naming a new police commissioner, appointing a new cabinet and giving the central bank governor the boot. In her determination to reverse the poor international image of Malawi cemented by previous President Bingu wa Mutharika and unhinge his highly unpopular policies, her broom has been sweeping with much vigor. Promising to lift the ban on gays and lesbians and bringing back the country's flag from independence was swiftly followed by her decision to sell or lease the impoverished country's presidential jet and fleet of 60 Mercedes government cars. These unexpected moves have made the world sit up and take notice.
She has also said Malawi would now be following International Monetary Fund (IMF) advice and work to devalue the kwacha, the national currency, by 50 percent. "We brought this upon ourselves because of our carelessness and arrogance," says Banda.
Britain has since pledged $36 million to help stabilize the Malawian economy and $15.7 million toward the country's health system, while the IMF agreed to a new three-year, $157 million aid package under its Extended Credit Facility to reduce poverty and wealth creation.
This turnaround in the country's fortunes has prompted critics to label Banda as selling out to the desires of global donors, especially in the decision to both not attend the AU Summit and reject its hosting. (She has indicated that her vice president will attend in her place). But Banda is pragmatic about her stance. While saying she respects the AU decision to move the summit to Addis Ababa and respects al-Bashir as leader of Sudan, she has drawn a line in the sand and made it clear that what comes first for her is her country and its people. "My main agenda right now is Malawi's economic recovery," she said.
Africa's second female president is making tough choices, some not often seen on a continent where leaders tend to avoid standing up and doing the right thing for their citizens. Her current popularity at home will no doubt only be sustained by her actions resulting in an improved life for Malawians. This focus on putting the people first is not only good for Malawi, but good for Africa as a whole.
The Editor | 
