Mauritania

Assailants also destroyed equipment belonging to Chinese and Mauritanian construction companies.

President Emmanuel Macron says France to reduce its force to 2,500 to 3,000 troops over the long term.

France suspended the operations early last month following the West African country’s second coup in less than a year.

Incarceration comes days after the former leader refused to continue reporting to police when put under house arrest.

French president says 5,100-strong Operation Barkhane to replaced by new mission supported by other partners.

Mauritania had followed Saudi Arabia and its allies in cutting diplomatic relations with Qatar in June 2017.

French leader says rushed exit from volatile region in West Africa would be a mistake, as Chad deploys reinforcements.

France considers reducing troop numbers as fighting worsens.

France expected to announce Barkhane troop drawdown as Sahel leaders increasingly mull negotiations with armed groups.

Momentous day for world diplomacy as Morocco, Algeria celebrate addition of dish to UN cultural agency’s coveted list.

Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, questioned by police over suspected embezzlement, has been banned from leaving the capital.

Move comes after former ministers appeared in a controversial report on the financial dealings of ex-leader.

President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani names Mohamed Ould Bilal as prime minister after previous government resigns.

Leaders from G5 Sahel bloc of nations and French president meet in Nouakchott to discuss campaign against armed groups.