Majority of people in Catalonia don’t want independence, says Elcano Royal institute

Sixty years ago, most of the French colonies in sub-Saharan Africa became independent nations. Between January 1 and December 31, 1960, some 17 countries, including 14 under French rule, gained their statehood. Senegal's first post-independence president, Léopold Sédar Senghor, referred to 1960 as the "magical year", while others hailed a peaceful decolonisation process.

The Scottish leader has refused to rule out legal action to force a Scottish independence referendum. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has refused a second vote on the issue after Scotland voted to stay in the UK in 2014.

The coronavirus and a row over Brexit have strained internal UK ties. Scotland's leader, Nicola Sturgeon, questioned whether the trip was "really essential" during a lockdown.

Seven years after Scots voted to remain a part of the United Kingdom, the question of independence is front and center once again.

As voters head to the polls for the Scottish Parliament elections, the issue of independence is not far from people's minds. The Scottish National Party (SNP) is hoping for a majority in the 129-seat devolved parliament, which could pave the way for a second referendum on Scottish independence. Back in 2014, Scots voted by a margin of 55 percent to stay in the UK, but since Brexit, polls have indicated a rise in support for going it alone.

Ten years ago tonight, thousands of people filled the streets of Juba to celebrate the birth of what is still the world's youngest nation. A decade on, the independence of South Sudan is unfortunately no longer a cause for celebration. From the start, the country has been hampered by inter-tribal conflict and famine. In this edition of Eye on Africa, we look back at 10 years of independence for the South Sudanese and discuss what lies ahead for the nation.

Defiant protesters wave Afghan flags at scattered rallies to mark the country's independence anniversary, days after the hardline Taliban Islamist militants swept into the capital, completing a stunning rout of government forces after a two decade insurgency.

Intense flooding has caused devastating damage to cars and houses in the town of Alcanar, on the Spanish Catalan coast. Authorities accelerated clean up efforts after intense rain washed away cars, filled homes with mud and knocked out power in the east of the country.

The EU wants Poland to be fined over new laws it believes undermine the country's judiciary. European lawmakers say the punitive measures must be in place until there is compliance.

Catalan separatists held their first major rally since the start of the COVID pandemic — amid divisions in their ranks over upcoming talks with the Spanish government.

US President Joe Biden sends his best wishes as Mexico celebrates 200 years of independence, saying that both countries have learned that they are stronger when they "stand together as neighbors, partners and friends."

Somaliland broke away from Somalia in 1991, but few countries recognise it statehood. The territory of 4.5 million is fiercely proud of its independence, but three decades on, the lack of official status hobbles economic hopes.