Russia has reiterated its commitment to Mali and other states of the Sahel Alliance in the fight against terrorism.

This was announced on Thursday by Russian Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov, in a telephone conversation with his Malian counterpart.

Several issues were discussed, including the security situation, marked by the resumption of hostilities between the army and the Permanent Strategic Framework, the northern independence movement.

Etsey Atisu completes the story.