Comoros: Protest in Moroni April 12

Event

Thousands of people took to the streets of the capital Moroni on Thursday, April 12, to demonstrate support for the Comorian government and its claim of sovereignty over the French overseas department of Mayotte. Further protests are possible in the coming days.

Context

Highly disruptive protests have been ongoing in Mayotte since late February to denounce the increased influx of Comorian migrants and related security concerns. The population of the French island is thought to be approximately 43 percent undocumented migrants - a situation which has incited the local population to violence against immigrants, who are often blamed for rising crime rates in the department.

The crisis has led to increased tensions between Paris and Moroni. In response to the migrant crisis in Mayotte, French authorities have started to expel undocumented Comorians from Mayotte. The Comorian government, which claims sovereignty over the island of Mayotte, has pushed back, refusing to let Comorian citizens deported from Mayotte enter Comorian territory.

Advice

Individuals in Comoros are advised to avoid all demonstrations and to keep abreast of the situation.