In 2012, members of the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad attacked towns throughout Mali, including Gao, following the 2012 Malian coup d'état and Tuareg Rebellion that overthrew President Amadou Toumani Touré. Pétronin took refuge in the Algerian consulate, and escaped through a back door when the Tuareg rebels captured the Algerian diplomats. She left the country and returned the following year.