Foreign Minister Bob Carr is warning that Mali runs the risk of becoming a terrorist haven like Afghanistan.

He also said Australia would consider providing some assistance to an African stabilisation force, although a decision was still some time away.

"In the meantime the great issue that confronts us here is the advance of Islamist rebels on the south of Mali which would threaten a situation akin to that of Afghanistan," Senator Carr told ABC TV on Wednesday, adding terrorist training camps would threaten the band of nations south of the Sahara.

Islamist rebel forces linked to al-Qaeda have taken over about half of the former French colony and last week France intervened to support Malian government forces, launching air strikes and deploying ground forces.

However a UN-mandated, 3300-strong West African intervention force has yet to deploy.

Senator Carr said Australian support was about helping West African nations once the French action had achieved its purpose in providing stability and security.

Australia was not expected to make a military contribution.

"But in the meantime we are obligated to support the provision of assistance to the government of Mali," the foreign minister said.

Senator Carr said Australia strongly supported the French intervention and was seeking to have deployment of the Economic Community Of West African States mission.

West African countries are meeting on January 19 to determine when they should move into Mali.