Joyce Banda was sworn in as president of Malawi on Saturday --- making her the first female head of state in southern Africa.
The 61-year-old Banda succeeds Bingu wa Mutharika who suffered a fatal heart attack earlier in the week and under whom she served as vice president.
Her swearing in appeared to ease concerns about a possible power struggle in the country --- a point Banda noted in her address to the national assembly.
SOUNDBITE: Joyce Banda saying:
"It is with a great sense of humility and honor that I accept the great responsibility you have entrusted me with. I would like to thank all Malawians for the respect for the law shown by peaceful transition of the presidency."
Banda also called for a period of mourning for Mutharika.
Deborah Gembara, Reuters.
