The detention conditions of a pro-independence activist who risks dying in prison are the tip of the iceberg of a recent escalation in West Papua’s conflict. Papuans are protesting the undermining of a devolution package that they already considered to be insufficient, Indonesian forces continue to suppress demonstrations —with racist abuse making the picture even worse—, while clashes pitting the army against an armed pro-independence organisation have claimed the lives of several fighters. Keep reading

The Moldovan Republic of Pridnestrovie, also known as Transnistria, is the epitome of the unrecognised state. It has almost everything that is expected of a state: a controlled territory, defined borders, a stable population, its own passport, currency... But it lacks legitimisation from other states. Currently it is only recognised as such by Artsakh —internationally recognised as part of Azerbaijan, but inhabited and controlled by Armenians—, South Ossetia, and Abkhazia —both recognised as part of Georgia. All three are in a similar situation and are part of the Community for Democracy and Rights of Nations. In the centre of Transnistrian capital Tiraspol, all these flags can be seen flying over the De Wollant Park. Keep reading

The arrest of a Biafran independence leader in June has sparked protests against the Nigerian government, both within the country and among the Biafran diaspora, and has put the question of Nigeria’s unity —contested since the country’s birth— back on the table. The arrest comes amidst the recent deterioration of the situation in Biafra and, more generally, amidst a situation of serious structural violence in Nigeria. Keep reading

Louis Mapou became, 8 July, the first pro-independence president in New Caledonia’s history, after an absolute majority of members of the islands’ cabinet voted for him. If no new government crisis bursts, Mapou will be the New Caledonian president during the third independence referendum, to be held on 12 December. Keep reading

Corsican voters yesterday gave massive support to parties calling in the short term for a statute of autonomy with legislative powers for the Mediterranean island and for co-official status for the Corsican language. Three Corsican nationalist lists obtained 68% of the votes in the second round of the Corsican Assembly election, thus getting their best combined result of all times. Gilles Simeoni will be re-elected president. Keep reading