Mali's president recalls French help against insurgency at Paris rally

Mali's President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita said Sunday his participation at a massive rally in Paris against terrorism carried special significance as it came exactly two years after French troops launched an offensive against Islamists in his country.

"I had expected to celebrate another type of anniversary with you, the French. On January 11, 2013, my country was saved from the terrorist barbarism by (the French military operation) Serval," he said after the march.

"Do you understand my emotions, it is impossible for me to not be here," said Keita.

French President Francois Hollande (R) welcomes Malian President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita at the Elysee Palace before attending a Unity rally ¿Marche Republicaine¿ on January 11, 2015 in Paris ©Dominique Faget (AFP)

France launched Operation Serval in 2013 to stop Al-Qaeda-linked militants and Tuareg rebels who had seized northern Mali from advancing on the capital Bamako.