African troops needed to fight Mali rebels

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia -- The African Union on Wednesday pledged to mobilize an African military force to battle al-Qaida-affiliated groups controlling northern Mali.

African foreign ministers called for arms for Mali's army from members and international partners.

Kadre Desire Ouedraogo, the president of the Economic Community of West African States, said 3,200 troops would be needed.

Mali, once the only stable democracy in West Africa, plunged into chaos created by Islamist groups, including al-Qaida.