Mali has requested that the United Nations deploy an international force in the north of the country, to help recapture territory captured by Islamic rebels, according to the French Foreign Minister.
Citing a letter sent to UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon by Mali’s leaders, French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said that Mali has requested an international force "to help the Malian army to reconquer the occupied areas of northern Mali".
He continued to say the letter said,
"For several months Mali has been confronted by an unprecedented security crisis in northern areas (and has been) occupied by armed groups including terrorists, drug traffickers and all types of criminals".
"The Malian government wants the immediate military presence of this force to support Mali's security forces to carry out this mission."
Fabius also commented that France would not be sending troops to the country saying,
"Let it be understood that there is no question of deploying French troops on the ground... It is up to the Africans, working under a UN mandate, to take the necessary action".
The request comes as the 15-member Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) confirmed they have 3,300 regional troops on standby but wants UN approval before deployment.
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