Tuareg rebels of the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA) on Friday proclaimed the "independence of Azawad (north Mali)," in a statement on their website and through a spokesman on France 24 television.

"We solemnly proclaim the independence of Azawad as from today," said Mossa Ag Attaher, who added that the rebels would respect "the borders with other states."