A political solution is crucial to end the crisis in Mali, according to the International Crisis Group (ICG), which is an independent organization committed to resolving conflicts around the world.

There was a military coup in March last year as the country was grappling with an armed rebellion in the north until the French forces intervened in January this year at the at the request of the government.

The ICG launched its report on Mali at UN Headquarters in New York on Tuesday.

The launch comes on the eve of a major UN Security Council meeting on the African-led International Support Mission to Mali (AFISMA).

UN Radio’s Derrick Mbatha caught up with Comfort Ero, the Director of the Africa Programme at the ICG, who first briefly explained what the report of her organization is about.

Duration: 4'57"