This update covers developments relating to the freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly in the Union of Comoros from 1st November 2025 to 5th January 2026.
EXPRESSION
Proposed article that would have authorised a judge to compel journalists to reveal their sources is not adopted after pressure
On 26th December 2025, the Parliament concluded the debate on the revision of the Information Code and confirmed that journalists are not required to disclose their sources. The revision of the Information Code that dates from 2021 was needed to include online media and social networks, and modernise a framework that is considered too restrictive. The draft contained a controversial article 169 authorising a judge, ‘in exceptional cases’, to compel journalists to reveal their sources. The media and the National Union of Comorian Journalists and human rights defenders saw this as an attack on press freedom, raised public awareness and lobbied parliamentarians. Ultimately, the revised Information Code was adopted by 31 of the 33 MPs and article 169 was rejected. And the new Article 153 of the Information Code specifies that ‘journalists are not required to disclose their sources. To this end, they cannot be harassed by public authorities.’
Article [169] would have created a major problem for the exercise of the profession in our country, since the protection of sources is a fundamental principle. Even if exceptional cases are specified, these exceptional cases could become the rule
- Ahmed Bacar, president of the National Union of Comorian Journalists
The International Federation of Journalists welcomed this step and the Federation of African Journalists noted that this victory is a strong signal for all of Africa.
Arrest of journalist after Facebook post
On 16th November 2025, Al-Watwan journalist and Reuters correspondent Abdou Moustoifa published a post on his Facebook page on the treatment of migrants. The journalist wrote that 73 migrants, including 15 children, who had all washed up in Salimani on 14th November, were reportedly held at the central police station in Moroni without any assistance from the authorities. On 17th November 2025, a police van pulled up outside the Al-Watwan newspaper offices and officers handed the journalist a summons urging him to report to the police within five minutes. Eleven journalists and union members gathered outside the police office in Moroni calling for his release. He was interrogated for three hours before being released without being charged.
ASSEMBLY
Gen Z protesters arrested
On 2nd November 2025, at the call of Gen Z 269, a group of people demonstrated in Mitsamihouli against corruption, the high cost of living, impunity, and social injustice. The demonstration was unauthorised, and police officers arrested three people. After four days in police custody, the three men appeared in the Moroni court on 7th November for disturbing public order.
Tensions in Fomboni after suspect death, protesters dispersed and arrested
On 16th and 17th December 2025, young protesters barricaded the main road connecting Salamani to Mabahoni in Fomboni. The unrest was triggered by the death of Akbar Issoufa, which occurred in suspicious circumstances while he was held in custody. The young people had gathered to organise a peaceful march planned for 21st December. According to Comores Info, this preparatory meeting could not take place as authorities tried to disperse it. This intervention created tension and some decided to erect barricades on the main road and burn tyres. The police fired warning shots to clear the road, used tear gas and arrested at least three people.
Protest of parents dispersed
On 3rd January 2026, a peaceful sit-in was planned in Mutsamudu by parents, including many parents of private school pupils. The parents demand clarity on the ‘single school report’ and they denounce that the reform was rushed and lacked consultation. According to Comores Info, the gathering had been duly declared and a request to hold the meeting had been sent to the mayor and forwarded to the prefect. However, police forces intervened shortly after the gathering started to disperse the participants.