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Such efforts eventually pushed the high representative to take action and annul the secessionist legislation.

Cameroon is also in the grips of a secessionist war that has killed more than 6,000 people in the west of the country.

Those familiar with Mr Dodik’s regular secessionist outbursts rolled their eyes.

The Global Times, the Communist Party tabloid, called Lai a secessionist in an article Sunday and warned that he may become emboldened in taking steps toward independence during his time in office.

Mr Lai is loathed by China which sees him as a "secessionist".