Malian President Denounces Recent Violence

Accuses rebels in the north of "blackmail"

Mali's president on Wednesday decried a recent flare-up of violence in the West African nation, accusing separatist rebels in the north of "blackmail" and vowing to dissolve a military reform committee after soldiers took up arms to demand promotions.

Speaking on state television one day after he cut short a trip to France and returned to the capital, Bamako, Ibrahim Boubacar Keita delivered a stern warning to anyone looking to foment unrest.

"I cannot tolerate indiscipline and anarchy in any case," said Keita, who was elected in a runoff vote in August.