Mali's Tuareg rebels agree to ceasefire

London, May 24 (IANS) Tuareg rebels in Mali accepted a ceasefire agreement proposed by the African Union and the UN, a media report said Saturday.

Three Tuareg rebel groups occupying the northern town of Kidal signed the agreement Friday after talks with African Union Chairman Mohamed Ould Abdelaziz, BBC reported.

At least 20 soldiers were killed and 30 injured Wednesday in a failed attempt by the government forces to re-capture the town of Kibal from the rebels.

In 2012, Tuaregs in northern Mali triggered a military coup in the capital, Bamako, and an Islamist takeover of the north.

Civilian rule was re-established in 2013, but Islamist and separatist forces still remain active.

The Malian government has accused the Tuareg rebels of being backed by the Al Qaeda.