Protests erupt in Comoros as opposition challenges president's re-election

Tensions reached a boiling point in the Comoros as security forces clashed with demonstrators on Wednesday, following the controversial re-election of President Azali Assoumani.

The opposition leaders decried the vote as fraudulent, leading to widespread unrest across the archipelago.

In the capital, Moroni, scenes of chaos unfolded as protesters vandalized a former minister’s house, setting it ablaze, while others attempted to block key roads. Responding to the unrest, police deployed tear gas and made arrests to restore order.

Election officials announced on Tuesday that Assoumani secured 62.97 percent of the vote in Sunday’s ballot. However, the five opposition challengers united in a joint statement, alleging ballot-stuffing and inconsistent results, demanding the annulment of what they deemed “invalid” ballots.

The aftermath of the disputed poll was marked by debris, burning tires, and scattered furniture in Moroni’s streets. The largest street market lay deserted, reflecting the deep dissatisfaction among the population. Tear gas continued to be deployed throughout the day as police and the army worked to clear road blockades.

Government spokesman Houmed Msaidie, speaking to AFP, accused the opposition of orchestrating the protests. He acknowledged arrests but refrained from providing specific figures, asserting that such measures were necessary to maintain public order.

While there have been no reports of deadly violence, the Comoros, with a history of political volatility, has experienced 20 coups or attempted coups since gaining independence in 1975.

Official results indicating Assoumani’s re-election in the first round were met with skepticism due to an unexpectedly low 16 percent turnout and significant discrepancies in the reported votes for presidential and regional governor races. Opposition candidates questioned the veracity of the results, alleging “flagrant fraud.”

As tensions escalated, security forces were deployed in large numbers, using tear gas to disperse civilians. In the working-class Coulee district, clashes between groups of youths and troops were reported, prompting residents to anticipate further tension and some to flee the area.

Colonel Assoumani, a former coup leader turned civilian president, initially seized power in 1999 and later returned to politics, winning re-election in 2016 amid violence and allegations of irregularities.

His government’s touted achievements in constructing roads and hospitals were overshadowed by criticism over widespread poverty, electricity cuts, and water shortages, reflecting the deep-seated discontent among the population.