On Monday, the Malian army rubbished reports that the north-eastern Menaka region is about to fall militants from the Islamic State group. They say the stories are propaganda designed to destabilise the country. And that they have been carrying out regular patrols in the region. In the neighbouring region of Gao, unions have called a strike. They are protesting the authorities response to violence that has left thousands displaced. So, what is being done to solve the insecurity in the north of the country?

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