ABSTRACT
Mali has a long, protracted history of ethnic rebellion since the formation of the country in 1960. Mali, like many postcolonial states, became rife with ethnic conict. Since gaining its independence, there have been four ethnic Tuareg rebellions vied for ethnic self-determination in the north of the West African country. Aside from ethnicity, the Tuaregs have a markedly different lifestyle than the rest of the country, which has further isolated group with increased primordial hatred. These primordial hatreds have endured the Post-Cold War and continue to today. The Tuaregs are a nomadic people and historically were renowned raiders, traders, and warriors (Keita, 1998, p. 7). The Tuaregs, being able to live in a desolate and rugged environment, have captured the romantic imagination of the West with their distinctive indigo-colored veils. They have captured the adoration of both the Libyan Colonel Gadda regime and Volkswagen, which named a sport utility vehicle (SUV) class after them.
