Hundreds of Egyptian Islamists on Friday protested outside the French embassy building in Cairo against France's recent military interference in Mali.

Some protesters chanted anti-France slogans and called for cutting off Cairo's ties with Paris.

Security was beefed up around the embassy, and armored vehicles were stationing nearby to ensure control of the situation. But the Islamist protesters reaffirmed that their rally was so peaceful that it would not block traffic or cause violence.

Eyewitnesses said Jihadist leader Sheikh Mohamed al-Zawahri, brother of al-Qaida leader Ayman al-Zawahri, was among the participants.

The situation in Mali greatly worsened over the past few days after government forces began engaged in clashes with rebel militants of the north. France then militarily intervened at the request of the Malian government.

On Monday, Egypt's President Mohamed Morsi has expressed rejection of military interference in Mali, and called for consultations to reach a peaceful solution.

Muslims represent some 90 percent of Mali's 15 million population.