Malawi riots leave 18 dead

Troops patrolled the streets of Malawi's urban areas today after protests against President Bingu wa Mutharika left 18 people dead this week.

America and Britain condemned the violence by Malawi authorities and the crackdown on private radio stations trying to report on disturbances.

The US embassy in Pretoria said: "In light of continued rioting and rumours of retaliation, we urge restraint from both sides."

A health ministry spokesman confirmed 10 deaths in Karonga and Mzuzu, where protesters angry at fuel shortages and Mutharika's rule ransacked his Democratic Progressive Party offices on Wednesday.

Eight others died in the capital, Lilongwe, and Blantyre when police and troops fired tear gas to disperse crowds demanding Mutharika quit.