The Tuareg people are a historically nomadic ethnic group that has populations throughout Mali, Algeria, Libya, Niger, and Burkina Faso. The Tuareg's progress towards establishing a state of their own attracted the attention of the international community last year, particularly their progress in Mali. This conflict has involved many actors in the international community and does not appear to have an end in sight. Unrest has plagued Mali for some time, this nation has had a series of coups and leaders ousted since liberation from the French in 1959. However, from 2002 until 2012, Mali enjoyed a rather tenuous peace, during the leadership of President Amadou Toure. Despite severe food shortages in 2005, a thriving cocaine trade, military operations against al-Qaeda-linked militants, and a great deal of corruption, Mali seemed to be doing quite well with its peaceful democratic elections and finding mineral wealth in its deserts . Many have hailed Mali as the beacon of democracy in West Africa. However, in April 2012, Tuareg rebels took control of northern Mali and declared its independence. In May, the Islamist rebel group Ansar Dine joined the Tuareg and declared northern Mali an Islamic state. However, no other country recognized their secession. As a result of the Tuareg rebellion, junta leaders led a coup to overthrow President Amadou Toure, having already deposed him after accusing him of failing to control the Tuareg rebellion, and placed Captain Amadou Sanogo in charge. The mid-ranking army officer, known for his charisma, had promised to defeat the rebels, but due to a lack of firearms, the coup actually allowed the allied rebels to tighten their hold on the north. The partnership between the Tuareg and the An...... middle of paper...... Force: Are Wars Still Winnable?" BBC News. BBC, 05 March 2013. Web. 01 May 2013. .Marcus, Jonathan "French success in Mali may herald 'shadow war'," BBC News BBC, 30 January 2013. Web, 1 May 2013. "Mali conflict: French troops 'dismantle Al-Qaeda base'" BBC News. BBC, 3 August 2013. Web. 1 May 2013. “Mali crisis: French soldiers to be withdrawn in April.” BBC News, 6 March 2013. Web. 1 May 2013. “Mali crisis: key players.” BBC News. BBC, 3 December 2013. Web. 1 May 2013. “Mali conflict: British soldiers to train forces.” BBC News, 18 February 2013. Web. 1 May 2013. .