Malawi's president sacks security chiefs

Reports from Malawi say that the president, Bakili Muluzi, has sacked army commander General Kelvin Simwaka and police chief, Patrick Chikapa.

No reason has been given for their dismissals, but one report said they would be reassigned to other duties.

Mr Simwaka has been replaced by former press officer Brigadier Joseph Chimbabyo who has been promoted to lieutenant general.Deputy inspector General Kennedy Chirambo takes over as Malawi's new police chief.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service