A high court in Kenya has lifted the ban on the Mombassa Republican Council (MRC) - a group fighting for independence from Nairobi, and autonomy for Mombassa along with a strip of coastline - prompting celebrations along the streets of the city.
Stating there was no evidence of criminal activity, Justice Francis Tuiyot ordered that the group register as a political party, and ensure they do not incite violence or hatred.
The government, which has said it will appeal against the ruling, banned the group in 2010 as an "organised criminal group".
International diplomats have previously urged Kenya to address the grievances of the region's largely Muslim population, including high youth unemployment.
