The government of Mali has asked refugees who left the country in 2012 to return.

A battle for power between government forces and Tuareg fighters drove many people to neighbouring countries, fearing for their lives.

More than half a million people were forced from their homes.

While most stayed in Mali, more than 180,000 headed for neighbouring Algeria, Burkina Faso, Mauritania and Niger.

Al Jazeera's Rob Matheson reports.