2012
ADVERTISEMENTJanuary 17 : Tuareg rebels, from the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad, launch an offensive in northern Mali, prompting civilians to flee into Mauritania.
March 22: Mali President Touré deposed ahead of April elections, amid his alleged failure to deal with Tuareg rebellion.
March 30 – April 1: Tuareg rebels seize control of northern Mali and declare independence.
Rest of the year: Tuareg rebels and Islamist groups merge and declare northern Mali an Islamist state, with Isalmic Law being imposed in Timbuktu.
2013
January 11: Islamist fighters capture central town of Konna and plan to march on the capital Bamako. France asked to intervene by Mali president. French troops capture Timbuktu quickly.
April: France begins withdrawing troops as African force helps Malian army with security.
June: Mali government signs peace deal with Tuareg rebels, paving the way for elections.
December: France says it will cut troops in Mali to 1,000 by March 2014.
2014
May 21: Fragile peace with Tuareg MNLA rebels breaks down and they seize control of Kidal city
October: Nine UN peacekeepers killed in northern Mali, the deadliest attack so far during its mission in the country.
2015
March 7: Five people killed in a terrorist attack on a bar in the capital Bamako.
July 2: Six UN peacekeepers killed when their convoy is attacked in northern Mali.
August 1: Two Malian soldiers killed in attack near Nampala.
August 3: Ten soldiers killed in ambush in the Timbuktu region, thought to be carried out by jihadist fighters.
August 7: At least 12 dead after terrorists attack Hotel Byblos in Sevare.
November 20: 170 people taken hostage during hotel siege in Bamako that leaves at least three dead.