France, April 29 -- France's foreign ministry said the security situation remained "extremely volatile" after the weekend assaults on government targets in several cities, including Bamako. It told French nationals to plan a temporary departure using commercial flights still available.

Those still in Mali were urged to stay at home and remain in regular contact with family, while France repeated that travel to the country remained formally discouraged for any reason.

The warning followed coordinated attacks over the weekend that killed Defence Minister Sadio Camara and saw rebel forces take control of the northern city of Kidal.

Malian official accuses Russian forces of 'betrayal' after Kidal falls to rebels French warning

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