Led by Marka Gjoni and his followers, the Roman Catholic tribes of Mirdita instigated a revolt in June 1921 and proclaimed a new state at Prizren with support from Yugoslavia.

In 1919, Prenk Bib Doda, the childless chieftain (Kapedan) of the Catholic Kapetainate of Mirdita tribe was assassinated near the marshes of Lezha and left no clear successors.

[5][6] Marka Gjoni, a relative became a claimant and successor for the position of chieftain however many of the Mirdita leaders refused to acknowledge him and he lacked popularity among the tribe due to issues of cowardice shown during the First World War.

[2][7][8][5][9][6] Gjoni received Yugoslav support, weapons, money, and of whom placed Wrangel's White Russian army at his service for the endeavour and the motive for independence he alleged was that the Albanian government or "Turks" were going to ban Catholicism.

[5][9][6] The events of the Mirdita republic coincided with international negotiations over finalising the Albanian-Yugoslav border which was viewed by participants as important and these discussions were ongoing during November 1921.

[9] Gjoni urged Yugoslavian authorities to take steps to secure the recognition of the Mirdita republic, while the Yugoslavs hoped that rebellion in northern Albania would have its territorial claims supported to the region.

[9] Great Britain, which recognised the Albanian government in November 1921, rejected Yugoslavia's position by sending through its prime minister Lloyd George multiple heated diplomatic protests to Belgrade demanding its withdrawal from disputed areas.