SECTOR 1 Since former vice-president Joyce Banda automatically assumed leadership of Malawi in April 2012, becoming the country’s first woman president, there is a sense that avenues for freedom of expression could be expanding. Since she became president she has rejected some of her autocratic predecessor’s policies including lifting the ban on homosexuality, stating that repressive laws must be repealed and appointing a new cabinet. As a result, foreign donors have begun to return to Malawi. Malawians, however, are sceptical and cautious. “There is a sense of watch-andwait. It is too early to tell.” Even women activists are reluctant to criticise the president in her new role as they risk being seen as unsupportive and negative. There is deep concern that critical voices in society are also being suppressed by the new leadership as many formerly outspoken civil society activists and prominent media players have accepted jobs in Banda’s new government. “Bingu was fearsome but as a result he helped to create a strong civil society leadership. For Joyce, it is the opposite, as she has co-opted strong civil society leaders into senior government positions.” Mention was made of government officials asking a media house to tone down reports on a recently reignited border dispute between Tanzania and Malawi in August 2012. This stirred debate amongst staffers in the newsroom around issues of national interest versus issues of public interest. “Is this an attempt to limit freedom of expression or is it rather a request to exercise responsibility in the national interest?” Scores: Individual scores: 1 Country does not meet indicator 2 Country meets only a few aspects of indicator 3 Country meets some aspects of indicator 4 Country meets most aspects of indicator 5 Country meets all aspects of the indicator Average score: 14 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER MALAWI 2012 3.0 (2010 = 2.4; 2008 = 4.0; 2006 = 2.6)