West African leaders, France discuss fighting extremism

Leaders of six sub-Saharan countries gathered in Chad on Monday for the opening of the two-day G5 Sahel summit.

The group comprises Burkina Faso, Chad, Mauritania, Mali, Niger and Mali.

Meeting in Chad's capital, N'Djamena, the summit leaders aimed to focus their talks on the war against terrorism.

They were also set to discuss ways of combatting the coronavirus pandemic and boosting the region's economy.

The summit was opened by President Idriss Deby Itno of Chad, the incoming holder of the group's rotating presidency.

He's taking over from Mauritanian head of state Mohamed Cheikh El Gha-Zouani.

(Image Credit: AP)