Under French rule, the area now known as Mali was collectively known as “French Sudan”. After gaining independence on the 20th of January 1960 as the federation of Senegambia, Azawad was incorporated into Mali despite Tuareg opposition. The inclusion of Azawad into Northern Mali led to the first Tuareg rebellion in in 1962. 

The imposition of European made borders in Western & Northern Africa led to the divisions of the Tuareg people into more then 5 different countries. It also cut many Tuaregs access to former ethnic lands & resources. These borders have created a sense of resentment that continues to this day!

Since the inclusion of Azawad into Mali in 1960, there have been a series of 4 Tuareg rebellions against the Malian government. Tuareg rebellions have been in direct response to state sponsored discrimination of the Tuaregs & Arabs, and heavy handed Malian military tactics & war crimes against unarmed civilians. The most recent Tuareg rebellion began in 2012 with the onset of the MNLA's declaration of independence for Azawad. After taking a brief pause, the rebellion & struggle for liberation is still continuing as of 2024. 

The MNLA (National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad) was founded in October of 2011 as a secular and diverse movement for the liberation of Azawad. The origins of the MNLA primarily lies in former Tuareg fighters who fought against the Malian government in past rebellions. Many ethnic Tuaregs who once fought for Gaddafi and the Jumhuriya in Libya have also since joined the movement in support of their compatriots. However, there are also ethnic Arabs, Fulanis & etc who're apart of the movement for the liberation of Azawad!