When looking at a map of Africa from less than a century ago, one can only be struck by the multiplication of States on the continent. And as they are the fruit of decolonization movements, borders are still highly disputed by various nationalist rebel groups. Indeed, South Sudan, the youngest Member State of the United Nations, only gained its independence after years of brutal war with the North. More recently, the MNLA, a Tuareg separatist group, proclaimed the independence of Azawad in North Malibut did not obtain the same international recognition. In fact, most of separatist movements in Africa do not result in secessions. This interactive Guardian map sheds light on 24 ongoing separatist movements that constitute a direct threat to the existence of African Nation-States as they exist today.
To see the map, click here.
By Clar Ni Chonghaile, Finbarr Sheehy and Paddy Allen
September 6, 2012
To see the map, click here.
