Mali has summoned France’s ambassador to Bamako over comments by French President Emmanuel Macron it said were “unfriendly”.

It is the latest clash between France and its former colony since reports Mali could recruit Russian mercenaries.

Paris is gradually withdrawing its 5,000-strong Barkhane counter-terrorism mission in the Sahel, a region that includes Mali.

The country’s prime minister, Choguel Maiga, has accused France of abandoning the joint fight against extremist insurgents.

Veronic Njie has more.

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