BAMAKO - A judicial inquiry will be opened in Mali following the assassination of two French journalists after they were kidnapped on Saturday in the northern region of Kidal by armed men.

A crisis meeting to examine the circumstances under which the two Radio France International (RFI) journalists were kidnapped was held under the chairmanship of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, government spokesman Mahamane Baby said on Sunday.

The meeting in Bamako was also attended by Malian Prime Minister and Ministers concerned with the issue.

The Malian leaders discussed the general security situation and several measures to ensure post-crisis peace and stability and decided to open a judicial inquiry.

The spokesman reiterated President Keita's determination to exercise Mali's sovereignty across the entire national territory including Kidal. The issue will be discussed during the president's meeting on Saturday with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon in Bamako, he added.

Mali is recovering from the aftermaths of a military coup in March 2012 and a nine-month occupation of the northern region by rebels, who were largely routed out in January, but still capable of launching sporadic attacks.