Senegalese separatists change leader

The Senegalese separatist movement, the Casamance Movement of Democratic Forces, or MFDC, has replaced its long-time leader, Augustin Diamacoune, after four days of talks in the Gambian capital, Banjul.

The Banjul meeting was said to have been called to heal internal divisions within the movement; but correspondents say continuing factional differences put a stop to the creation of a united front despite last-minute mediation by the Gambian president, Yahya Jammeh.

Father Diamacoune, a Roman Catholic priest, had led the MFDC since the start of its campaign for a special status for Casamance in 1982.

The movement's new secretary-general is Jean-Marie Francois Biagui.

Mr Biagui says he willl pursue agreements with the Senegalese government made by his predecessor despite violent opposition from MFDC hardliners. Father Diamacoune will be the organisation's honorary president.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service