1
The proposed deal aims to end decades of insurgency by Tuareg rebels.
2
Algeria brokered a ceasefire between Mali's government and Tuareg rebels in July.
3
French forces intervened and scattered the Islamists and Tuareg rebels the following year.
4
The government is battling Tuareg rebels who are fighting for autonomy in the north.
5
The Tuareg rebels have been demanding greater rights and more jobs for their people.
6
Malian officials initially blamed Tuareg rebels active in the Sahara for the January abduction.
7
Malian officials initially blamed the Tuareg rebels active in the Sahara for the kidnapping.
8
Fowler is the U.N.'s special envoy to Niger, where government forces are battling Tuareg rebels.
9
Malian officials initially blamed Tuareg rebels for the abduction.
10
Tuareg rebels are active in both Mali and Niger.
11
Tuareg rebels have waged an on-off secessionist war for decades against the Mali government in Bamako.
12
Northern Tuareg rebels and their allies are now in effective control of three-quarters of the country.
13
March 30 - Tuareg rebels enter key town of Kidal in the north after soldiers abandon positions.
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March 30 - Tuareg rebels enter the key town of Kidal in the north after soldiers abandon positions.
15
Malian officials initially blamed Tuareg rebels for abducting the four Europeans although suspicions soon turned to al Qaeda.
16
Last year's coup resulted in Tuareg rebels seizing the north in a revolt later hijacked by Islamist radicals.
