Mali’s defense minister has revealed that eight Malian soldiers were killed, 14 others injured and four are missing following a clash with fighters in the northeast of the West African nation. 

The latest attack comes after Mali’s ruling military government asked France on Friday to withdraw troops from its territory without delay.

Meanwhile, a demonstration dominated by the military and supported by transitional authorities was organized on Saturday in Bamako to celebrate the departure of French soldiers from Mali. 

Abdulahi Hassan has the rest of the details.