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Relations between France and Mali have hit a low point, with both countries trading hostile comments in public about what the other is doing.

Mali\\u2019s military rulers accuse France of supplying arms to anti-government militants. Paris denies this and is unhappy about Mali\\u2019s working relationship with Russian mercenaries.

Things are so bad that President Emmanuel Macron announces the withdrawal of French troops. They were sent in 9 years ago to help fight Islamist militants, who still pose a threat across the region.

On this week\\u2019s inquiry, we look at why the French have departed, and what this means for Mali.

Presenter: Charmaine Cozier\\nProducer: Louise Clarke-Rowbotham\\nResearcher: Christopher Blake \\nEditor: Tara McDermott\\nTechnical Producer: Richard Hannaford\\nBroadcast co-ordinator: Jacqui Johnson

(Photo: Thomas Coex/AFP/Getty Images)