Azawad declared its independence from Mali following a series of events that escalated throughout the early months of the year. The National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA) emerged as a key player, capitalizing on the instability in the region exacerbated by the Malian government's inability to adequately address the challenges faced by the Tuareg people. Longstanding issues such as marginalization, lack of political representation, and economic inequality drove many Tuareg individuals to support the MNLA's campaign for autonomy and self-governance.

In the months leading up to the declaration, Mali experienced a coup d'état that severely weakened the central government's control, particularly in the northern regions. With the military focused on internal conflict, the MNLA seized the opportunity to advance its interests, launching successful offensives that captured key territories, including Kidal, Gao, and Timbuktu. On April 6, the MNLA announced the establishment of the independent state of Azawad, claiming it to be a sovereign entity distinctly separate from Mali.

The declaration elicited varied reactions both domestically and internationally. While some factions within Mali viewed it as a challenge to national integrity, others acknowledged the historical and cultural aspirations of the Tuareg people. Following the declaration, the situation in the region saw further fragmentation, as multiple groups vying for power emerged, leading to complex dynamics in both governance and conflict. The independence declaration thus marked a significant turning point in the political landscape of Mali and the Sahel region overall, laying the groundwork for continued strife and competition among different actors in subsequent years.