French forces have bombed rebel bases in Mali, where Islamist rebels have threatened to advance on the capital Bamako from their strongholds in the north. France said it had decided to act to stop the offensive, which could create "a terrorist state at the doorstep of France and Europe".
West African Army Chiefs To Approve Mali Troops Plan -- Reuters
(Reuters) - West African defense chiefs will on Tuesday approve plans to speed up the deployment of African troops against Islamist rebels in northern Mali, with some regional soldiers seen arriving next week.
France has already poured hundreds of troops into Mali and carried out days of air strikes in a vast desert area seized last year by an Islamist alliance that combines al Qaeda's north African wing AQIM with Mali's home-grown MUJWA and Ansar Dine rebel groups.
Western and regional powers are concerned the insurgents will use Mali's north as a launchpad for international attacks.
"On January 15, the committee of Chiefs of Defense Staff will meet in Bamako to approve the contingency plan," the mission head of the ECOWAS grouping of West African states, Aboudou Toure Cheaka, told Reuters.
Read more ....
More News On Africa's Commitment To The Fight in Mali
Mali conflict: African troops due in 'days or weeks' -- BBC
Africans urged to take over Mali battle -- The Australian
US Working to Speed Deployment of ECOWAS Troops to Mali -- Voice of America
A look at what countries are providing to Mali in its fight against Islamic extremists -- Washington Post/AP
My Comment: They are committing troops and resources .... but the process is slow.
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