It is supported by the Bubi ethnic group, which dominates Bioko island (home of the national capital).

Under the rule of Francisco Macías Nguema (1968-1979), almost all Bubi political activists were either killed or exiled, and any aspirations for autonomy were dashed.

President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo (1979-), a Fang from the same family as Macías, continued the policy of prohibiting separatist movements.

The MAIB has support from traditional Bubi leaders and some of the general population of Bioko, but the party is forced by law to operate secretly.

The MAIB gained international attention when one of its main leaders, Weja Chicampo, was tortured and severely injured in March 2004 by government agents.