The leader of West Africa's regional bloc said in an interview published Sunday that military intervention in Mali is "inevitable" within weeks, if there's no quick change in the nation where Islamist extremists rule the north.

Alassane Ouattara, who also is the president of Ivory Coast, told the French weekly Le Journal du Dimanche that half the intervention force would be made up of Malien soldiers and would likely include soldiers from Niger, Nigeria and perhaps countries such as Chad — with logistical help from France and the United States. He defined logistical help as material support and counselors but added that combat aircraft are needed.

"If the situation doesn't evolve favorably and rapidly, yes, there will be a military intervention in Mali," he said. "It seems inevitable." He added, "I think we can talk in weeks, not in months. There is urgency."

Ouattara serves as the