Separatist Tuareg rebels have clashed with Malian government troops in the first confrontation since a ceasefire was signed between the two sides.

The Tuareg, who are also fighting al-Qaeda, have been battling to secure an independent homeland in the northern desert region of Azawad. But with violence edging close to an area where thousands internally displaced Malians have sought refuge, many are fearing the worst in a region plagued by violence.

Al Jazeera's Mohamed Vall reports.