Like Nnamdi Kanu: 4 other separatist leaders in Africa (list)

Being the leader of a separatist movement is a dangerous assignment. Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has been under violent threats since his recent release from prison by the Nigerian government.

However, there are several other separatist movements across the world.

Who are their leaders? Below is a list of leaders of separatist movements like Nnamdi Kanu:

1. Ferhat Mehenni (Algeria)

Ferhat Mehenni, also known as Ferhat Imazighen Imula, is a Kabyle singer and political activist and the founder and first President of the Movement for the Autonomy of Kabylie seeking to be independent of Algeria.

Since 1 June 2010 he has been the President of the Provisional Government of Kabylia, a government in exile that the movement set up in France.

2. Dr Jota Filipe Malakito (Angola)

Dr Jota Filipe Malakito, is the leader of the ethnic group, the Lunda-Tchokwé of Angola, who are fighting for the Democratic Republic of Lunda-Tchokwé (República Democrática da Lunda-Tchokwé) and independence from Angola.

3. Ebi Dari (Cameroon)

The ethnic group, Calabars of Cameroon are fighting for the Democratic Republic of Bakassi, using the Bakassi Movement for Self-Determination. They also have a militant organization known as the Bakassi Freedom Fighters.

One of the first leaders of the organization, Tony Ene Asuquo, died in 2006 in a mysterious car accident. The current leader is Ebi Dari who spoke with the BBC in November 2008. No pictures of him are available.

4. Weja Chicampo (Equatorial Guinea)

The Movement for the Self-Determination of Bioko Island (MAIB) is a proscribed political organization in Equatorial Guinea. It is supported by the Bubi ethnic group, which dominates Bioko island, home of the national capital.

The MAIB gained international attention when one of its main leaders, Weja Chicampo, was tortured and severely injured in March 2004 by government agents.

This move by the IPOB members follows a recent siege laid by the troops of the Nigerian military in Afara Ukwu, the hometown of the IPOB leader. The group members were seen in thousands heading to Kanu's home.