The Indian Ocean nation of Comoros has implemented an overnight curfew in response to widespread protests triggered by the contested re-election of President Azali Assoumani, as confirmed by the interior ministry.
President Assoumani secured a fourth consecutive five-year term after the electoral body declared him the winner of Sunday’s election, competing against five opponents. The capital city, Moroni, witnessed violent clashes, prompting the army to use tear gas to disperse protesters on Wednesday. Demonstrators continued to occupy the streets in the northern part of the capital into the early hours of Thursday.
The interior ministry officially announced the imposition of the curfew on Wednesday, citing the need to restore order.
A spokesperson for the Comorian government attributed the unrest to supporters of the losing candidates. “These are things that happen here and elsewhere, especially when we are beaten and we contest the results,” said government spokesperson Houmed Msaidie, who also confirmed the arrest of several demonstrators.
Opponents of Assoumani have raised concerns about the election’s integrity, alleging voter fraud, including instances of ballot stuffing and premature voting closure. The government, however, has refuted these accusations.
President Assoumani, who initially rose to power through a coup in 1999, secured 62.97% of the vote in the latest election, according to the national electoral commission.
Comoros, with a population of approximately 800,000, has a history marked by around 20 coups or attempted coups since gaining independence from France in 1975. It is also a significant source of irregular migration to the nearby French island of Mayotte.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has issued a call for calm and appealed to authorities to exercise restraint in the aftermath of the protests.