Tension spills into streets after Comoros president re-elected
Comoros soldiers played a cat and mouse game with youths trying to block roads in the capital to protest the disputed re-election of President Azali Assoumani. Comoros security forces responded with tear gas and arrests on Wednesday after groups, angered by the re-election of President Azali Assoumani, tried to block roads in the capital.
Debris and burning tires were scattered in several streets of Moroni and the Indian Ocean archipelago’s largest street market lay deserted on the morning after the disputed poll results were announced.
Government spokesman Houmed Msaidie accused the opposition of organizing the protests. There have been arrests, but I can’t give you the figure for the moment. It’s totally normal when there are people out there who want to disturb public order, Msaidie said.
There have been no reports of deadly violence, but the Comoros is politically volatile and has seen 20 coups or attempted coups in its short history since independence in 1975.
Police, gendarmes, and armed soldiers were deployed in large numbers as the day began. They used tear gas to drive civilians from the streets and back into their homes.
In the working-class Coulee district in the north of the city, groups of youths threw stones at the troops, but many residents were making ready to flee, anticipating further tension. Everyone is gone. I’m going too. I was tear-gassed, said Amina, a stallholder in the normally bustling Volo-Volo market, now just rows of empty wooden stands.
According to official results released Tuesday, Assoumani, a 65-year-old former coup leader turned civilian president, was re-elected in Sunday’s first-round election with 62.97 percent. But official turnout was an unexpectedly low 16 percent, and supporters of the five defeated opposition candidates have cried foul, alleging ballot-stuffing and fraud.
The contested re-election has ignited widespread unrest among opposition supporters. The protests reflect deep divisions within the country, often fueled by ethnic and political differences. President Assoumani has faced previous challenges to his authority, and some citizens view his rule as authoritarian.
The Comoros, a small three-island chain in the Indian Ocean, has a history of political instability. With a population of around 870,000, the country has experienced numerous coups and attempted coups since gaining independence from France in 1975.
International observers are urging all parties to remain calm and seek a peaceful resolution to the political crisis. Analysts fear that continued tensions and unrest in the country could undermine stability and hinder economic development.
The current situation in the Comoros highlights the delicate balance between democratic processes and political stability. The disputed election results have not only triggered protests and clashes in the capital but have also raised concerns about the future direction of the country.
As the Comoros faces this uncertain period, the international community will be closely monitoring the situation and urging the government and opposition to engage in dialogue to address the grievances and work towards a peaceful resolution. The fate of the nation relies on the ability of its leaders to navigate these challenging times and build a foundation for stability, equality, and progress.
