IMF chief in Malawi to assess reforms

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Credit World Economic Forum

Christine Lagarde, Minister of Economy, Industry and Employment of France; Member of the Foundation Board of the World Economic Forum is captured during the session 'Global Economic Outlook' at the Annual Meeting 2010 of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, January 30, 2010

LILONGWE, Malawi (AP) — The chief of the International Monetary Fund is in Malawi to assess reforms aimed at steering the southern African nation out of an economic crisis. Opponents of the measures say they only make matters worse.

The arrival of IMF director Christine Lagarde on Friday was seen as a show of support for Malawi's president, Joyce Banda, who has been criticized by domestic opponents for sharply devaluing the national currency in line with prescriptions from the international lender.

Malawi, one of Africa's poorest countries, is struggling with high inflation. Banda's opponents plan to stage protests on Jan. 17 against IMF-backed measures, which include the loosening of restrictions on foreign currency exchange.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.