From AFP:  Nato said on Wednesday there has been no request or discussion about the military alliance helping West African forces to retake control of northern Mali from Islamist guerrillas.

"There has been no request or discussion on a possible role for Nato in Mali," said a Nato official who asked not to be named.

On Tuesday, the head of the African Union, Benin President Thomas Boni Yayi, said "Nato should play a part and the African force would lead the way as was done by Nato in Afghanistan. . . ."

"Nato is not involved in this crisis but the situation in northern Mali is of course of grave concern to us all. It threatens the security and stability of the country, the region and beyond," the Nato official said. . . .

"We are hopeful that the efforts of the international community will help restore the rule of law in Mali," the official added. (graphic: Economist)