THE HISTORY OF AZAWAD BY ALYAD TOUMAST

Here is the history of Azawad written by Alyad Toumast:

The history of Azawad is that of a resilient people, determined to regain their freedom in the face of decades of injustice and marginalization. Since the proclamation of the independence of the Republic of Azawad in 2012, the separatists, now united under the banner of the CSP-DPA (Permanent Strategic Framework for the Sustainability of Peace and Autonomy), embody the continuity of a struggle that began well before African independence, in 1958, when Tuareg autonomist demands emerged to contest the borders inherited from French colonization.

A historic struggle: from 1958 to today.

The origins of the fight:

From the first years of Mali’s independence in 1960, the populations of Azawad expressed their rejection of a centralized state that ignored their culture, history and aspirations.
The repression of the revolts of the 1960s, 1990s and 2006 only deepened the gap between Bamako and Azawad. Despite peace agreements signed under international pressure, successive Malian governments have always betrayed their commitments, exacerbating the frustrations of Sahelian communities.

The 2012 proclamation:

In April 2012, after a lightning military advance, the MNLA (National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad) proclaimed the independence of Azawad. Although this independence was not recognized, it marked a turning point, affirming the desire for self-determination.
Since then, the Azawad forces, under different structures, have resisted attempts at marginalization, while suffering the betrayal of the international community, which has often supported the Malian authorities against the legitimate aspirations of the Azawadian people.

The CSP-DPA: courageous leadership:

The CSP-DPA, a coalition of Azawad independence and autonomist movements, represents today the continuation of this struggle. Faced with the hostility of the Malian putschist regimes, which broke the Algiers Accords and relaunched a brutal war against Azawad, the CSP-DPA fighters are holding their ground with exemplary bravery.
These forces, despite diplomatic isolation and a flagrant military imbalance, continue to defend the civilian populations and repel the attacks orchestrated by the Malian army and its mercenary allies.

The Bravery and Resilience of Azawad.

The Azawad fighters are distinguished by their unwavering commitment and courage in the face of adversity:

They have been able to maintain effective control over a large part of the Azawad territory, despite the offensive by Malian forces supported by drones and mercenaries.
Unlike the Malian putschists, who are entrenched in the capitals and leaving civilians to their fate, the CSP-DPA separatists remain close to the populations, defending their rights and aspirations.

The Azawad forces refuse to give in to terror and blackmail, embodying a model of struggle for dignity and autonomy in a region marked by conflict and injustice.

Azawad’s independence: an inescapable reality.

Despite the maneuvers of Malian putschists, supported by foreign powers seeking to protect their economic or strategic interests, Azawad’s independence remains a legitimate and achievable aspiration:

The right to self-determination:

International law recognizes the right of peoples to self-determination. The populations of Azawad, mostly marginalized by Bamako, have a distinct identity that justifies their quest for independence.

Autonomous management:

Unlike the chaos observed in other regions of Mali, the structures set up in certain areas of Azawad demonstrate an ability to manage the territory autonomously and inclusively.

Popular support:

Azawad enjoys broad support from its populations, who see independence as the only way out of the cycle of marginalization, repression and underdevelopment.

Appeal to the International Community.

The silence or complicity of the international community in the face of the brutal repression of Azawad is a stain on the universal principles of justice and equity:

In the same way that Palestine or Ukraine receive support for their rights, Azawad deserves recognition and fair mediation.
It is imperative that major powers and international organizations stop providing military or diplomatic support to regimes that violate the rights of the Sahelian populations.

Conclusion.

The struggle for the independence of Azawad, courageously led by the CSP-DPA, is a source of inspiration for all oppressed peoples. It demonstrates that, even in the face of vastly superior forces, determination and unity can triumph. The independence of Azawad is not only a legitimate aspiration, but a future reality, carried by the bravery of a people standing since 1958.

Alyad Toumast 18-11-24

UPDATE: The Azawad liberation forces are now unified under the banner of the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) since nov 30-2024.