Keen to hand over its military role in Mali to the United Nations, France doggedly insisted that polls be held this month in the traumatised nation.

Mali is hurrying to organise key elections in less than 40 days following a ceasefire deal between the government and separatist Tuareg rebels.

Mali’s interim president Dioncounda Traore has "renewed his confidence" in controversial transition prime minister Cheick Modibo Diarra.

Mali’s interim president Dioncounda Traore has been beaten and hospitalised after hundreds of protesters stormed his palace to demand his resignation.

Mali’s new interim leader has threatened to wage total war on Tuareg rebels and religious extremist groups controlling the north of the country.

Mali’s interim president will be sworn in on Thursday, ending a period of military rule that saw Tuaregs and Islamists seize half of the country.

Mali’s interim leader Dioncounda Traore has plenty to prepare for after ousted President Amadou Toumani Toure resigned as part of a deal with Ecowas.