Internet access has been cut in Comoros following protests against the re-election of President Azali Assoumani, with reports of one person killed and six injured as security forces clash with opposition supporters. The electoral commission announced Assoumani's victory, triggering violent protests and unrest in the capital, Moroni, leading to vandalism, looting, and burning of buildings. Internet services have been disrupted to prevent communication and sharing of images on social networks, while a night-time curfew has been imposed to curb the spreading unrest.
Comoros President Azali Assoumani has won a disputed fourth term with 63% of the vote, amid low turnout and opposition allegations of fraud. International observers noted irregularities but deemed the voting largely free and fair. Assoumani, a former military officer who first came to power through a coup in 1999, faced opposition boycotts and criticism over his rule, which has been marked by controversy and accusations of suppressing dissent.
Comoros held a presidential election, with President Azali Assoumani seeking a fourth term. Some opposition leaders boycotted the election, alleging irregularities such as pre-marked ballots and ballot stuffing in favor of the incumbent. The election commission denies favoritism, and Assoumani expressed confidence in victory. The provisional results are expected on Friday.
France has deployed 2,000 troops and police to Mayotte, a French island territory off Africa's east coast, to carry out mass expulsions, destroy slums, and eradicate violent gangs. The operation has raised concerns of abuse and aggravated tensions between local residents and immigrants from neighboring Comoros. Mayotte is the poorest corner of France, but its average annual income of around $3,500 is still more than double that in Comoros, creating a powerful pull. The operation has exposed entrenched poverty among both communities, tensions over the island's status, and deep inequalities between Mayotte and the rest of France.
Comoros has refused to allow a boat carrying migrants from Mayotte, where French authorities have announced a controversial operation against illegal migrants, to dock. The country's maritime services company also said that the Mutsamudu port was suspending passenger traffic from Monday until Wednesday. Authorities in the French overseas territory of Mayotte announced they would launch Operation Wuambushu ("Take Back") to remove illegal migrants who have settled in slums on the island. The plan was for those without papers to be sent back to the Comoran island of Anjouan, 70 kilometres (45 miles) away from Mayotte.
