Rebels in northern Mali have signed a ceasefire agreement with the government.<br /><br />It comes after a week when dozens of soldiers have been killed or wounded in clashes that threatened to plunge the country back into war.<br /><br />Three Tuareg separatist groups occupying the northern town of Kidal signed the agreement after talks with the chairman of the African Union.<br /><br />Violence broke out in Kidal last weekend when the Malian Prime Minister paid a visit to show support for government forces.<br /><br />Rebels seized government buildings, killing at least eight civilians and taking around 30 hostages.<br /><br />On Wednesday, government forces attempted to retake Kidal sparking clashes that left around 20 soldiers dead. Malian soldiers retreated with rebels claiming victory.<br /><br />The separatists have gained control of several other towns northern Mali in recent days.<br /><br />The ceasefire agreement includes a pledge to revive talks, an independent inquiry into what happened in Kidal and the release of 300 Tuareg prisoners.
