Nigerian troops arrive Mali
Nigerian troops arrive Mali
Nigeria's President Goodluck Jonathan has said Nigerian troops will stay in Mali to back military operations against al Qaeda-linked rebels until the crisis is resolved.
As well as deploying troops, Nigeria also has warplanes in neighboring Niger ready for missions in Mali.
Jonathan said Nigeria had a direct interest in intervening in Mali, pointing out links between the Nigerian Islamist sect Boko Haram and al Qaeda's north African wing in Mali. Boko Haram continues to maim and kill unabated in the Northern part of the country.
France launched air strikes in Mali earlier this month to stop a surprise rebel push towards the capital Bamako,
The rebels seized Northern Mali from government forces after a coup last year left a power vacuum.