The “new” country of Azawad was “born” per a signed accord between the Tuareg people of the MNLA (Movement for the Liberation of Azawad) and the jihadists of Ansar Dine. The political reasons leading to the founding of the two so diverse movements are still somewhat unclear, with the Tuareg proponents of a secular state and the other of radical Islam; with this accord, the foundation of an Islamic State.
The actual situation remains unclear, still awaiting the disposition of the international community; however, also that of neighboring Algeria, a secular state, strongly anti-jihadist, finding itself either in a limited position protecting its own borders or in one requiring intervention in the region.