Troops from 13 African countries that took part in the French-led war against al Qaida-linked extremists in Mali marched with the French military during the Bastille Day parade in Paris to honour their role in the conflict.

Mali's interim leaders announced a new government, months after a military coup unleashed political chaos that allowed an Islamist takeover of the north and forced nearly half a million people to flee their homes.

Demonstrators have attacked the interim president of Mali at his office, knocking him unconscious, according to reports.

Under intense pressure from the nations bordering Mali, the junior officer who seized control of the country in a coup last month has signed an accord agreeing to return the nation to constitutional rule.