Arab Movement of Azawad

The Arab Movement of Azawad (MAA) formed in March 2012, and is composed of Arab fighters. The group aims to establish an independent state of Azawad in northern Mali. The group joined the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA) and the High Council for the Unity of Azawad (HCUA) to form an umbrella group called the Coordination of the Movements of Azawad (CMA) in November 2013. In 2014, a faction split off from MAA and supported the Malian government, which caused infighting in the group, as well as fighting with its allies, the MNLA and the HCUA. On June 20, 2015, MAA, as a part of the CMA, signed the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali with the Malian government, which would establish political and institutional reforms related to defense and security.