Malawi President Joyce Banda says her government was ready to send troops to Mali to help maintain peace in the West African state.

Speaking on a controlled MBC TV on Tuesday, while on a visit to Ethiopia, President Banda however said the decision would depend on the United Nations paying for the cost of the troops.

The Malawian soldiers would join French and Malian forces who are on a United Nations backed operation to counterstrike against rebel forces with links to the Al-Quaida terrorist organization who invaded the mainly Muslim West African state.

Reports from Mali say Global donors have pledged 455 million dollars towards an operation against the militants, half of what African leaders had requested.

Meanwhile, French forces say they have entered Kidal in the north of Mali, the last major town they have yet to secure from Islamist militants.