Comoros: VP assassination attempt July 21-22

Event

Armed men riding motorcycles fired several shots at Vice President Abdou Moustoidrane's car near Mutsamadu (Anjouan island) overnight July 22-23. No casualties have been reported. The assassination attempt comes amid high tensions ahead of the July 30 constitutional referendum. Further such attacks cannot be ruled out.

Context

The referendum will decide whether to amend the constitution to allow presidents to run for a second five-year term. If passed, it would also do away with the current system where the position rotates every five years between the archipelago's main islands of Grande Comore, Anjouan, and Moheli, and the next presidential election would be held in 2019 instead of 2021. The referendum is widely regarded as an attempt by current President Azali Assoumani to extend his term, which has angered his opponents.

Advice

Individuals in Comoros are advised to keep abreast of the sociopolitical climate and avoid all protests and political rallies as a precaution.