The arrests follow running battles in which several people suffered various injuries, while vehicles and buildings were also smashed.

Hours before the protest marches were due to begin, the Malawi High Court issued an order stopping organisers from going ahead but thousands of angry people, unaware of the court order, gathered anyway.

A group calling itself Human Rights Ambassadors organised the protests against what they see as the government's application of “selective justice” when taking action against those accused of corruption as well as economic hardships faced by Malawians.

There is a growing anti-government sentiment in Malawi following a hardening economic situation which authorities blame on external factors - among them the Covid-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine.

Wednesday's protests appear to have been driven by anger with the difficult economic situation.

Among the people arrested include leaders of the group that called for the protests.

They will be charged with inciting violence, police say.