First there were reports of conflict between Tuareg MNLA rebels and the Ansar Dine Islamist group (aligned to AQIM), two weeks ago and my previous post:http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-18104236

Now the BBC reports they are shooting at each other, not in Timbucktu, but further east:
Two rebel groups that seized northern Mali two months ago have clashed following protests in the town of Kidal...
Link:http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-18377168

Worth reading the blog piece by a FT journalist who has been on the ground:http://blogs.ft.com/the-world/2012/0...-rice-on-mali/

Almost sounds like 'divide and rule' is alive and well. Hopefully the locals can resolve this themselves, with the odd nudge from outside - preferably by those who know the ground, yes 'Uncle Sam' that might not be you.