France's Francois Hollande says Boko Haram threat to all West, Central Africa

 French President Francois Hollande said on Saturday the Nigerian rebel group Boko Haram was now a threat to west and central Africa and it was linked to other militants, including al Qaeda's North African arm.

"Boko Haram is a major threat for all of western Africa and now central Africa with proven links to AQIM (al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb) and other terrorist organisations," Hollande told a summit of African leaders in Paris.

A comprehensive plan to exchange information, coordinate action and protect borders needed to be put in place immediately, he said.