In Mali, Tuareg rebels have seized on the growing instability there and captured the ancient city of Timbuktu.
Their rapid advance across the north of the West African nation has put further pressure on the military junta, who have struggled since seizing control over a week ago.
Threatened with crippling sanctions, coup leader Amadou Sanogo has agreed to reinstate the constitution and hold elections.
And after that concession, neighbouring countries part of the West African bloc ECOWAS have agreed to mediate between the rebels and the military rulers.
Al Jazeera's Hashem Ahelbarra reports from Bamako.
