October 2011: Ethnic Tuaregs launch new rebellion after returning with weapons from Libya, where they had fought for Gaddafi
March 2012: Military officers depose President Amadou Toumani Toure over handling of rebellion
April 2012: Tuareg and Islamist fighters seize control of northern Mali, declare independence
June 2012: Islamist groups capture towns of Timbuktu, Kidal and Gao from Tuaregs, start to destroy Muslim shrines that offend their puritan views
January 2013: Islamist fighters advance south, raising fears they could march on capital. Interim President Dioncounda Traore asks France for help. France intervenes, along with neighbouring countries. Northern towns recaptured
April 2013: France and Chad begin to withdraw
July 2013: Planned deployment of a UN peace force to incorporate the West African force on the ground. Nationwide elections due
