French President Francois Hollande begins on Thursday a three-day visit to Africa to reinforce France’s commitment to the continent and to the fight against rising extremism in several countries, Hollande’s office said.

Libya’s neighbours are offering to help the country control its borders, collect heavy weapons and reconcile rival political forces as security in the North African nation deteriorates. Tunisian President Moncef Marzouki told a conference that Libyan authorities have agreed to create joint border control forces.

Libya’s government said on Tuesday it was considering calling for international forces to help re-establish security after deadly clashes closed Tripoli airport, severing air links with the outside world.