African Union imposes sanctions on Mali's northern rebels

The African Union on Tuesday announced targeted sanctions on leaders of armed factions fighting in northern Mali moments after slapping travel bans and asset freezes on the country's ruling military junta.

"The council also decides to apply the individual sanctions... to the leaders and members of the armed member groups in northern Mali, those who are involved in the attacks in the region, as well as in atrocities against the civilian population," Ramtane Lamamra, AU commissioner for peace and security, said (Reuters)