Mali junta allows UN force to send new troops

The military-led government in Mali has agreed to allow the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the country to resume its rotations of international troops.

These were suspended last month following a row with Ivory Coast after the security services arrested around 50 Ivorian soldiers at the main airport, for reasons of “national security”.

Ten nations contribute troops to the UN force, known as Minusma.

On Friday Germany suspended some of its military operations after Mali withheld a flight clearance.

As it battles jihadists, the junta has increased its cooperation with Moscow, straining relations with the UN.