Azawadis sought desperately to have their own state when it became apparent that France was intent on abandoning the French Sudan. Once Mali became independent, it took only 2 years for the first Azawad rebellion to break out in 1962. They were also attracted by the allure of making easy money by partnering in the flourishing Saharan smuggling commerce. Maybe they will end up making sense in the future, but just as in Mali, that will cost a lot of blood and treasure. Keep Mali’s military under close watch, and neuter it if necessary– they have already caused more than their fair share of harm by overthrowing an elected government.