As the French and Malian forces continue to retake towns from rebels in northern Mali, the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) is preparing for a possible return of displaced people to their homes.

Thousands of people have fled northern Mali where ethnic Tuaregs have been fighting with the Malian government forces for autonomy.

Other armed groups joined the conflict, including extremist Islamists who imposed their strict interpretation of Sharia law and forced people to flee to the southern parts of the country or neighbouring countries.

To find out more about what’s happening in Mali, UN Radio’s Derrick Mbatha spoke with Helen Caux, the UNHCR spokesperson in the country.

Duration: 4’57”