Malawi charges more than 250 people over riots

Police say at least 250 people have appeared in courts around Malawi over last week's violent anti-government demonstrations.

Central Region Police spokesman John Namalenga said 100 people appeared today in a court in the capital of Lilongwe on charges of arson, looting, theft and possession of stolen property.

Officials said more than 500 people were arrested during the unrest, which left at least 19 people dead.

The Millennium Challenge Corporation, a US government development agency, also announced today that it is putting its programme operations on hold to review its partnership with the southern African country, which could result in the termination of $350m in financial assistance to Malawi's ailing energy sector.

AP