In response to protests against President Azali Assoumani’s re-election in Comoros, authorities have taken the measure of cutting off internet access. Reports indicate one person killed and six others injured as police confront opposition supporters in Moroni, the capital.
Barricades on several roads and the arrest of an undisclosed number of protesters have contributed to the unrest. To quell the situation, a nighttime curfew has been enforced.
The electoral commission declared on Tuesday that President Assoumani secured a fourth term with 63% of the vote in Sunday’s ballot.
The announcement of President Assoumani’s re-election has sparked violent protests, with opposition parties denouncing the results as fraudulent and demanding their annulment. The capital witnessed widespread vandalism, looting, and arson, including the destruction of a minister’s residence and the burning of a national food depot.
As a response, internet services have been severely disrupted, with Netblocks confirming inaccessible sites and blocked WhatsApp calls. Mobile messages are also restricted due to extremely low connection speeds, a tactic reportedly aimed at hindering communication among demonstrators.
The first casualties of the protests were reported on Thursday, with six individuals admitted to the hospital, one in critical condition, following the unrest. A 21-year-old man lost his life, likely due to a gunshot during the demonstrations.
Opposition figures emphasize that the protests represent a “spontaneous uprising against autocratic rule,” and while disavowing direct organization, they express solidarity with the protesting youths. The government, however, asserts that it will not yield to violence, identifying the alleged instigators.
President Assoumani’s victory is anticipated to be officially confirmed by the Comoros’ Supreme Court over the weekend.