NEW : French President Francois Michel visits the historical city of Timbuktu . NEW : What 's behind instability in Mali ? They give him a camel as a gift . Timbuktu , once controlled by militants , is now under control of Malian forces . The French - led offensive against militants in northern Mali begins this month .
NEW : French President Francois Michel visits the historical city of Timbuktu . NEW : They give him a camel as a gift . Timbuktu , once controlled by militants , is now under control of Malian forces . The French - led offensive against militants in northern Mali begins this month .