UN envoy calls for more troops in northern Mali

New York - The top UN envoy in Mali is calling for beefed up national and international forces in the country's volatile north to confront stepped up shelling, terrorist activity and clashes between rival communities.

Albert Koenders told the UN Security Council on Wednesday that the violent incidents reflect the very fragile security situation in the north and the need to fast-track the reconciliation process, strengthen military forces, and start a programme to demobilise armed groups.

A 2012 coup plunged Mali into chaos and expedited the seizure of the country's north by a mix of rebel groups, including al-Qaeda-linked jihadists.

A French-led military intervention routed the rebels but hold-outs remain. French troops and a UN peacekeeping force occupy the north.

Despite the attacks, Koenders said Mali is on the road to peace.