The French President Francois Hollande has arrived in Mali, as French-led troops secured the last Islamist stronghold in the north of the country.

The French leader is on a one day visit to thank French troops for their work so far, and to urge African forces to take over.

France is keen to hand over its military operation to nearly 8,000 African troops slowly being deployed in the country, which the United Nations is considering turning into a formal UN peacekeeping operation.

Although the Islamists have retreated for now, it is feared they may wage a guerilla campaign.