Malawi cuts diplomatic ties with Libya because of ongoing conflict and heavy civilian toll

Malawi has severed its decade-long diplomatic ties with Libya because of the ongoing conflict and its heavy civilian toll, the foreign ministry said Friday.

"Malawi has severed its ties with Libya because it is deeply concerned and saddened with the grave loss of civilian lives because of the armed conflict," the ministry said in a statement.

Malawi, which established diplomatic relations with the oil-rich north African state in 2001, said it will "review its stand on the relationship after the situation improves and life comes back to normal."

Retired president Bakili Muluzi, who ruled the poor southern African nation from 1994 to 2004, established the diplomatic ties after his controversial visit to Libya, which drew public concern from Britain and the United States.

Muluzi often defended the ties between the two states, saying Malawi's health and agriculture sectors would benefit from cooperation with Libya.