In light of the hostage crisis in Algeria and the French-led offensive against Islamist militants in Mali, we will be looking at the situation on the ground in these, and neighbouring countries.

In a statement in response to the hostage crisis David Cameron has described a new front in the fight against terrorism. With a panel of experts and journalists we will be examining who these groups are, where they come from and where their allegiances lie.

We ask whether François Hollande was right to initiate a military operation in Mali and what implications it will have in the country and elsewhere.

Chaired by Paddy O’Connell of BBC Radio 4′s Broadcasting House.

With:

Lord Ashdown of Norton-sub-Hamdon, a former leader of the Liberal Democrats and UN High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, 2002-06

Ibrahima Diane, journalist and editor at BBC Afrique.

Wilfred Willey, president of the Malian Community Council in the UK.

Lindsey Hilsum, Channel 4 News’ International Editor and author of Sandstorm, Libya in the Time of Revolution.