France has been a former colonizer in Africa, and still seeks control over countries spread over more than 12 territories.

At least 50 civilians were killed and more than 500 arrested in central Mali in April during a military operation conducted by the army and “foreign troops”, according to a report by the UN.

Iran’s foreign minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian’s trip to Mali has ended and he is now in Tanzania as part of his tour to the black continent.

Iran’s foreign minister is in Mali on the first leg of his Africa tour.

Iran says terrorism in the West Asia and Africa is a product of interference by extra-regional countries.

Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian has arrived in the Malian capital Bamako on the first leg of his three-nation Africa tour, which will later take him to Tanzania and Zanzibar.

Mali has welcomed the withdrawal of French military forces from the African nation, saying the pullout ushers in better security for its people.

Mali has called for an urgent meeting by the UN Security Council to present evidence of France supporting terrorist groups on its soil.

Mali has accused France of violating its airspace, in addition to providing weapons to terrorists and armed groups.

Mali has requested an emergency UN Security Council meeting as the country has accused France of violating its airspace and delivering weapons to armed groups, an attempt considered to destabilize the West African country.