France has called on other world powers to commit money and
logistical support for African armies readying their troops
to join French soldiers already battling al Qaeda-linked
militants in Mali.
The International Criminal Court has launched an
investigation into suspected war crimes in Mali, its chief
prosecutor said, as French forces launched a ground assault
against Islamist rebels.
France plans to increase its troops in Mali to 2500 in the
days ahead and is working to speed up the deployment of West
African troops for a campaign against Islamist rebels, the
government says.
The African Union has announced targeted sanctions on leaders
of armed factions fighting in northern Mali moments after
slapping travel bans and asset freezes on the country's
ruling military junta.
Malian rebels and government troops fought for control of the
northern garrison town of Gao on Saturday as the insurgents
sought to capitalise on widespread chaos after last week's
military coup.
