31 Jan 2024 | 08:58 AM UTC
Comoros: As of Jan. 31, curfew remains in place nationwide following unrest over presidential results Jan. 17 /update 3
As of Jan. 31, authorities in Comoros maintain nationwide curfew unchanged after unrest in Moroni over presidential results Jan. 17.
As of Jan. 31, authorities are maintaining a 19:00-06:00 curfew for the Moroni area and a 22:00-06:00 curfew for the remainder of the country. The curfew was imposed after protests broke out in Moroni on Jan. 17 following the controversial Jan. 14 presidential election. Protesters blockaded roads, carried out acts of vandalism against private and government buildings, and clashed with security forces. Several arrests have been made, while protesters and police forces have been injured; at least one person was killed amid the unrest. There have also been reports of internet disruptions. Clashes opposing rival political supporters also occurred overnight on Jan. 25, leaving several people injured.
Authorities in Comoros will likely maintain an increased security posture nationwide, especially in Moroni, through at least late February. Security measures may include roadblocks, checkpoints, and searches of vehicles and pedestrians. Further protests remain likely nationwide despite the curfew, notably in the capital. Localized traffic disruptions are likely near rally locations and deployments of security forces.
If operating in Comoros, exercise increased personal vigilance. Heed all instructions from security personnel, including the curfew order. Confirm road conditions before travel, including to and from Moroni's Prince Said Ibrahim International Airport (HAH). Avoid all demonstrations and associated gatherings due to the possibility of violence. Keep away from areas where security personnel appear to be deploying. If clashes break out nearby, take shelter in a safe, non-governmental building. Monitor trusted local news sources for developments. Maintain contact with diplomatic missions.
The electoral commission announced on Jan. 16 that Incumbent President Azali Assoumani has been elected for a third term with 62.97 percent of the votes and a low turnout of 16.3 percent. Tensions were already high ahead of the votes, with several opposition figures urging to boycott the polls. Following the announcement of the results, opposition candidates widely rejected the results, raising allegations of fraud and irregularities.
Assoumani and his Convention for the Renewal of the Comoros (CRC) party have been in power since 1999, with an interruption between 2006 and 2016. All other major opposition parties, including the Enlarged Common Front, had denounced the election as a "farce" before the polls.
