European Union Due to Begin Training of Malian Forces

French are preparing to withdraw after launching the intervention in their former colony in January

An EU mission to train Malian soldiers is due to begin as part of efforts to help the West African country counter an Islamist insurgency.

The first of four Malian battalions will train under European instructors at the Koulikoro base some 60km (37 miles) from the capital, Bamako.

A French-led intervention that began in January has regained the main cities of northern Mali from Islamist groups.

However, fighting continues in the north.