Comoros: Further protests likely nationwide through at least late January /update 1

Further protests are likely nationwide, notably in the capital, following the controversial Jan. 14 presidential election. Protests broke out in Moroni on Jan. 17, along with road blockades, acts of vandalism against private and government buildings, and scuffles with security forces. Several arrests have reportedly been made, while casualty figures remain unclear.

This follows after 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 with 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.

Authorities in Comoros will likely maintain an increased security posture nationwide, especially in Moroni, through at least late January. Localized traffic disruptions are likely near rally locations and deployments of security forces. Authorities could move quickly to disperse any gatherings they deem overly disruptive - particularly those organized by opposition parties. Officials may impose restrictive measures, such as temporary curfews or communication restrictions, to prevent violence or in the event of significant unrest.