Fresh fighting has erupted in Kidal, where Tuareg rebels backed by jihadists are clashing with government forces supported by Russian mercenaries. The violence follows coordinated nationwide attacks, including explosions and sustained gunfire in Bamako, highlighting a worsening security situation.

Mali’s defence minister Sadio Camara has been killed in a car bomb attack on his home near Bamako, as the country faces a second day of intense fighting.

Mali's ruling military junta has announced two days of national mourning after coordinated attacks killed the country’s defense minister and reportedly left a key northern town in rebel hands.

Burundi’s President Evariste Ndayishimiye has been nominated to stand as his party’s candidate in next year’s presidential election.

'Should you ever need to get hold of us, just give us a ring,' King Charles added, as the crowd laughed.

MEPs said the UK would be ‘warmly welcomed’ back in the EU – but without any special deals (Picture: EPA)

The Ditsobotla Local Municipality in the North West granted a service provider a R25-million contract over the phone for the supply of generators for a pump station.

Life is gradually returning to normal in Mali, according to testimonies gathered after the jihadist attack that claimed the life of General Sadio Camara.

Russian President Vladimir Putin told Iran's top diplomat that Moscow would do everything it could to help secure peace in the Middle East, during a meeting in Saint Petersburg on Monday.