French President Francois Hollande arrived Saturday in the central Malian town of Sevare. The presidential plane landed in the garrison town of Sevare, about 620 kilometres north-east of the capital Bamako, according to broadcaster Radio France International (RFI). "I am going to Mali to express to our soldiers all our support, encouragement and pride," Hollande was quoted by RFI as saying. He added that he was going to tell the African forces that "we need them for this international force."