While we expect new states to produce stamps, it’s rather more striking when proto-states attempt to stamp their authority on the (inter)national stage, before they even become independent.
Biafra, which attempted to secede from Nigeria between 1967 and 1970, first over-printed classic Nigeria stamps (the example here is by the French artist Maurice Fievet), and then issued stamps of their own design.
These were likely only for use internally, but the use of the map, flag and other icons is clearly intended to contribute to the construction of a distinctive identity – performing statehood. Notably, some of the stamps commemorate the first independence day, while others celebrate its anniversary. Less political issues (not shown) commemorated the Olympics and the Papal visit to African in 1969.
Below, the Eritrean People’s Liberation Front, or their supporters, seem to have produced stamps in Italy in 1978, during Eritrea’s long independence struggle.
Again we see flags, but also images of guns (rare on stamps of African states), alongside children, doves, and other images of hope.
Three of these, denoted below, may have been reprinted or issued inside Eritrea in 1992, after de facto independence in 1991, but before the referendum and de jure statehood was confirmed in 1993, when the Universal Postal Union accepted Eritrean stamps as valid.
Biafra, of course, does not go on to achieve statehood, although its stamps continue to capture the public’s interest. Eritrea, as an independent state, continues as it began, issuing distinctive stamps, designed by Eritrean artists. More about the politics of post-liberation (see what I did there?) states soon.
By contrast, Somaliland, which also achieves de facto independence in 1991, never issues its own stamps, nor establishes a postal service — perhaps an early entry into the digital age.
*Many thanks to my friends on twitter for title suggestions! In particular @Algorhythmica1 and @eatingpolitics whose ideas I have ‘borrowed’ 🙂
African Politics Blog 
Pingback: ‘Post’-Liberation part 2: “It’s complicated”. | African Politics Blog