France increases commitment to Mali conflict

(Vatican Radio) France has promised to treble the size of its force in Mali, sending in hundreds more troops as it prepares for a land assault to dislodge Islamic militants from the northern half of the country. A major air campaign failed to halt the advance of the al-Qaida-linked fighters, who have extended their reach, taking over a strategically important military camp in the central Malian town of Diabaly at the beginning of the week. France's decision reverses an original insistence on limiting involvement in the conflict to aerial and logistical support for a military intervention led by African ground troops. Speaking during a stop in the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday, French President Francois Hollande outlined his country’s commitment. “We have one objective,” he said, “to make sure that when we leave, when we end this intervention, there is security in Mali, legitimate leaders, an electoral process and the terrorists no longer threaten its territory.” Concretely, the troop increase will be from 800 to 2,500. The thousands of African troops pledged by Mali's neighbours have yet to arrive. Listen to our report: