announcement

French President Emmanuel Macron, speaking in Paris before a visit to several African countries, has said the numbers of French troops stationed in Africa are to be reduced, while cooperation with its allies on military training and supplies of equipment will be increased.

French Prime Minister Manuel Valls, 54, has announced his resignation in order to stand in primary elections to choose his Socialist Party's candidate for next spring's presidential elections, following President François Hollande's decision last week not to stand.

The former socialist economy minister who left government after criticising austerity policies said François Hollande's presidency left 'a feeling of waste'.

The Elysée palace denies reports of an imminent announcement that François Hollande and Valérie Trierweiler are to separate.