The rebellion began with mutinies by Tuareg officers integrated into the Malian army following the Tuareg rebellion of the 1990s, and mediation between the Malian government and the May 23, 2006 Democratic Alliance for Change (ADC) began immediately afterwards.

[2] In 2006, Kel Adagh Tuaregs of Kidal Region took issue with the promotion of El Hadj Ag Gamou, an Imghad Tuareg; considered by Kel Adagh to be a servile class.

[3] This promotion prompted members of the Ifergenoussen sub-clan of Kel Adagh to form the May 23, 2006 Democratic Alliance for Change, focused on gaining more autonomy for Kidal Region.

The rebels then retreated to remote bases in the Adrar des Ifoghas mountains in northern Kidal Region.

[3] Malian authorities quickly entered negotiations with the ADC immediately after the rebellion's start, and offered concessions very similar to those outlined in the National Pact and the Tamanrasset Accords.