This update covers developments relating to the freedoms of expression, association and peaceful assembly in the Union of Comoros from 3rd June 2025 to 31st October 2025.
ASSEMBLY
Arrests during students’ protest
In June, July and August 2025, teachers of the University of the Comoros were on strike to demand unpaid salaries, career regularisation and the effective implementation of the new law governing higher education. Classes and exams were over, but thousands of students waited for their results.
On 16th September 2025, a dozen students from the University of Comoros gathered outside the National Education ministry in Moroni to demand the publication of the exam results. Gendarmerie officers arrested an unspecified number of students. A group of students then protested outside the gendarmerie in Moroni to demand the release of the students.
Pro-palestinian solidarity
On 29th August 2025, a gathering took place in Mohoro to protest against the war in Gaza, in solidarity with Palestine and against Israel. The event was organised by several associations, including Al Kudsi, Ruwad Al Akswa, and the Palestine Solidarity Collective.
ASSOCIATION
Unions on strike due to disagreement on taxes
On 1st October 2025, the National Trade Union (Synaco) and Usukani wa Masiwa, (the drivers’ union) mobilised their members against the revised application of the provisions of the General Tax Code. The unions disagreed with the method of calculating three taxes (the Consumption Tax, the Advance Tax Payment and the Excise Duty) and went on strike. That day, no trade or public transport took place, especially in Ngazidja. Negotations between the unions and the authorities led to the setting up of a technical committee.
EXPRESSION
Journalist forbidden to practise due to lack of press card
On 30th September 2025, the National Gendarmerie notified Karim Ahmed (alias Abilis) that he was prohibited from covering events by posing as a journalist without being accredited by the National Press and Audiovisual Council. Karim Ahmed is responsible for the platform Comoros Duniya News.
Press cards should never be used as a weapon to silence those who report the news. In democracies, they serve to facilitate access to sources and official events, not to restrict the very practice of journalism.
- Journalist Ali Abdou Mkouboi
According to a 2003 Declaration of the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Opinion and Expression, the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media and the OAS Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression, “individual journalists should not be required to be licensed or to register”.
Proposal to reform the Information and Communication Code
In August 2025, the National Press and Audiovisual Council brought together national and international experts to discuss a proposal to reform the Information and Communication Code, among others to strengthen the role of the Council through its composition, the mandate of its members and its regulatory powers and to adapt the text to digital challenges. The National Union of Comorian Journalists was present, but some voices lamented the absence of private media from the debates.
DUTY TO PROTECT
Training course for law enforcement officers
On 4th and 5th August 2025, a training course for law enforcement officers was held at the headquarters of the national gendarmerie in Moroni. Initiated by the National Human Rights Commission in collaboration with the security forces, it aims to strengthen knowledge of national and international standards prohibiting torture and on the limits of the use of force in the exercise of their duties.