The leader of Senegal's separatist rebels has died in Paris.

Father Augustin Diamacoune Senghor, aged 78, who was a founder member of the Movement of Democratic Casamance Forces (MFDC), died in a Paris hospital this week.

The MFDC is a group which campaigned fiercely for the independence of Senegal's southern region.

In 2004, the Catholic priest signed a peace deal to bring to a conclusion 20 years of relatively low-level conflict, however, some MFDC factions are still known to be actively working despite this development.

Father Senghor was known for his passion towards the cause, and was indeed twice imprisoned for his rebel activities; firstly in 1982, and then once again in 1990.

The latest clashes have been near the Gambian border, with passengers vehicles held up by armed robbers, reports the BBC.

Violence has been seen over the past year however, with one senior local politician being killed last month, and the blame being attributed to renegade MFDC fighters.

However, security has improved around the main Casamance tourist beach resort of Cap Skirring and there has been a recent increase in visitors.

Casamance is cut off from northern Senegal by The Gambia and the MFDC said the French colonisers did not administer it as part of Senegal, reports the BBC.

This was denied by the French.