Barcelona midfielder Seydou Keita, who scored Mali’s winning penalty against Gabon to send his side through to the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations, has made an impassioned plea for peace in his country.

Several people have died in the fighting in the north of Mali between the military and members of the nomadic Tuareg ethnic group, which is seeking self-determination for north Mali.

More than 15,000 people have fled the violence.

Speaking to journalists after the 5-4 penalty victory against co-host Gabon, which sees the Eagles through to Wednesday’s semi-final against Ivory Coast, Keita said that the players should all be happy.

“But we are not, we are sad,” he said.

“I want to say something about what is going on in our country. What is happening there is not normal. We have to make peace with one another.”

He called on Mali president Amadou Toumani Toure to do everything in his power to ensure that peace returns to the country.

“Mali has been, for many years now, an example for all countries in our area of Africa. They have seen our democracy and seen the good relationship that exists between the people,” Keita said.

“We do not want to lose this and there has to be an end to the fighting in Mali.

“We are all one people and there should not be fighting amongst us.”