The Tuareg rebellion refers to a series of uprisings by the Tuareg people, a nomadic ethnic group primarily found in Mali, Niger, and Algeria. These rebellions have aimed to gain greater autonomy and recognition of their cultural rights, often fueled by grievances over political marginalization and economic neglect. The most notable uprisings occurred in the 1990s and again in 2012, when the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA) declared independence for the northern region of Mali. The conflict has led to significant instability in the region, affecting local communities and drawing in various armed groups.