Comoros: Police forces disperse opposition supporters in Moroni March 25 /update 3

Event

Police forces dispersed with tear gas and rubber ammunitions opposition supporters gathered in Moroni on Monday, March 25, to denounce perceived fraud during the March 24 presidential elections. At least two people were injured. Further such protests are like over the coming days, while the country awaits the election results.

Context

Comoros held its presidential elections on Saturday, March 24. Fraud allegations were reported on Sunday, and violent protests erupted on the Anjouan island, where the army dispersed a crowd of protesters, killing one of them and injuring several others.

Incumbent President Azali Assoumani ran for reelection against twelve other candidates. The Supreme Court rejected the candidacy of opposition leader Mohamed Ali Soilihi, who was regarded as Assoumani's main challenger. Some opposition leaders accused the courts of blocking all party supported candidates who could threaten Assoumani in the election.

Advice

Individuals in Comoros are advised to monitor the situation, anticipate heightened security measures, public demonstrations, and transportation disruptions, including limited travel off the islands and localized traffic disruptions near any political demonstrations, and avoid all political demonstrations as a precaution.