Former rebels running the administration of the city of Kidal in northern Mali have reversed a controversial decision to impose new laws including a ban on alcohol and strengthening the power of Islamic judges.
The Coordination of Azawad Movements, CMA is a coalition of Tuareg and Arab groups that fought to create an independent state during the 2012 rebellion.
The group signed a peace deal with the government in 2015 and has been in charge of Kidal where the Malian state has no significant presence.
There is concern over possible links between the former rebels and Islamist militant groups operating in the Region.
The attempt to impose new laws is seen as a violation of the peace agreement.
