Authorities in Niger have banned the full Islamic veil following suicide attacks in countries in the region by women wearing the religious garment.

Police in Chad have threatened to arrest anyone wearing a full-face veil, a day after a bombing carried out by a terrorist disguised as a woman.

Nicolas Sarkozy defended his plan to stop French women wearing the Islamic veil on Wednesday, despite fears that the move may be unconstitutional.

President Nicolas Sarkozy has ordered the French government to prepare legislation paving the way for a total ban on the full Islamic veil.