Nightly curfews extended in Burkina Faso

The authorities in Burkina Faso have imposed further overnight curfews until the end of March in the North region, and the central-eastern Koulpelogo province, to help with the fight against armed jihadist groups.

An official in the North region said the move would help the army in areas bordering Mali, reports AFP.

Militant Islamist attacks have increased this year with dozens of civilians and soldiers being killed every week.

About 40% of Burkina Faso is no longer controlled by the government.

Since 2015 around two million people have been forced to flee their homes.

Last month more than 50 soldiers died in an ambush which the Islamic State group said it had carried out.