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Malawi originally known as Nyasaland
Before Malawi was an independent country it was ruled by Great Britain and known as Nyasaland. It became a common wealth country on July 6, 1964. -
Malawi Becomes a Republic
Malawi becomes a self-governing Republic on July 6, 1966. They broke away from the Central African Federation -
Banda becomes president for life.
Banda becomes president of Malawi for life. The constitution was amended to allow him to be president for life. -
Banda becomes head of state
Banda is the first black African American head of state to be officially received in South Africa. -
Banda imprisons many people.
Through the 1970's into the early 1980's Banda imprisoned many people. He imprisoned them for political offenses. -
Mozambique wants to bring down the government in Maputo.
In the 1980's, Mozambique wants to bring down the government in Maputo. This disrupts railway links with other countries. -
Malawi sends troops into Mozambique.
Malawi allows troops from Mozambique to patrol areas along their border. They also sent troops into Mozambique to guard railways used for importing and exporting. -
Banda's power weakens.
The people of Malawi are not satisfied with Banda and many people protest him. Riots and strikes break out. -
Banda is no longer president.
Banda is disarmed by security forces and is no longer president. -
Many bills are passed.
Many bills passed in July and November eliminate single-party clauses, append the Bill of rights and create a multi-party electoral law. -
The assembly adopts provisional constitution.
The assembly adopts a provisional constitution and Malawi held its first elections. -
The new constitution takes effect.
Not until about a year later did the constitution finally take place. -
Food shortages.
Severe food shortages occur affecting many people. This affects 3.2 million people and 65% have exacerbated living conditions.
