A group of African leaders is expected in Bamako, Mali, for a crucial summit aimed at ending the crisis in the country.
According to AFP, four unnamed African leaders will hold talks with the opposing factions in a bid to restore calm.
Mali has been dogged by protests for more than one month, as opposition groups call for the resignation of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita over growing violence in the country.
Last week, the Economic Community of West African States sent a delegation to Mali in attempts to end the crisis that has already killed more than 10 people.
The delegation recommended that President Keita creates a new unity government, but the protesters dismissed the move.
President Keita has offered concessions including dissolving the Constitutional Court, but the protesters continue to march demanding his resignation.
The crisis has sparked concern from the international community, which fears that the situation could derail the fight against jihadists in the Sahel region.
