This update covers developments relating to the freedom of expression and the right to peaceful assembly in the Comoros from 13th January to 10th August 2026.
GENERAL
Follow-up on UPR recommendations starts
In March 2026 in Mutsamudu, in April 2026 in Fomboni and then in May 2026 in Moroni, the process of implementing the recommendations arising from the 4th cycle of the UPR was launched, bringing together national authorities, technical partners and civil society organisations. Of the 237 recommendations made by member States, 194 were accepted by the government in 2025, notably the ratification of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
ASSEMBLY
Strikes and deadly protests against fuel prices
On 9th May 2026, the Comorian government announced an increase in the prices of petroleum products due to the rise in global oil prices. The main transport workers’ union, Usukani wa Masiwa, called for a strike, criticising the lack of consultation and demanding a reduction in fuel prices.
A strike began in Moroni and spread to most areas of Grande Comore. On 12th May 2026, the work stoppage by bus drivers, taxi operators, and freight vehicle drivers was joined by merchants and led to the disruption of schools and a partial paralysis of government departments. The next day, fishermen’s associations joined the strike.
In Moroni and Iconi, roads were blocked by rocks and burning tyres. On 13th May 2026, armoured vehicles were deployed in the capital and clashes broke out between the police and young people in several neighbouring towns, leading to arrests. On 15th May 2026, the National Commission for Human Rights and Freedoms visited the headquarters of the Gendarmerie nationale to examine the conditions under which those arrested were being held. It appeared that 39 people were being detained, including two minors and eight suspected minors.
On Anjuan Island, a clash broke out in Mirontsy between the mayor and the fishermen’s association. During the confrontation, in M’pagé, live ammunition fired by police led to the death of two people and left five injured. On Grande Comore, near M’dé, young people threw stones at soldiers, who responded with tear gas.
The Public Prosecutor’s office announced the immediate launch of a judicial investigation and on 16th May 2026, the government announced the temporary suspension of the rise in fuel prices.
Minister of the Interior bans traditional demonstrations on weekdays
On 17th July 2026, the Minister of the Interior, Mohamed Ahmed Assoumani, issued Note No. 26-001/MIDAT/CAB, banning traditional gatherings on weekday afternoons. He has therefore instructed prefectural and local authorities not to grant authorisation for such gatherings. Weddings, traditional ceremonies and gatherings must be held on public holidays or non-working days. According to him, these events lead to absenteeism amongst civil servants.
The measure has not been well received as many events have already been planned, particularly as the diaspora is present in large numbers during the summer.
EXPRESSION
Arrests of journalist and publishing director for reporting on the former president’s health
On 8th June 2026, the journalist Toufé Maecha and his newspaper’s publishing director El-Had Saïd Omar were arrested by the Gendarmerie nationale (military police) after the publication of reports related to the health of the former president. Toufé Maecha is a journalist for La Gazette des Comores and published reports about the ill-health of former president Ahmed Abdallah Mohamed Sambi. The former President is currently serving a life sentence following a conviction for high treason. Whether a medical evacuation is needed for his health is a matter of debate.
On 9th June 2026, public prosecutor Saidatte Fatuma Said Boina expressed in a video that a judicial investigation had been opened against the journalist for his publications between May and June 2026, deemed likely to “disturb public order and undermine social peace.” Publishing director El-Had Saïd Omar was also questioned and released on 9th June 2026. The executive committee of the National Union of Comorian Journalists, accompanied by several journalists, immediately reached out to the authorities to seek information about the arrest of their colleagues and urged the authorities to “show transparency regarding the reasons for their arrest, in accordance with the principles of the rule of law”. According to France Info, they have been charged with publishing and aiding and abetting the dissemination of false information.
Toufé was released on 10th June 2026. Both journalists are subject to strict judicial supervision for the duration of the investigation and are prohibited from leaving the island of Grande Comore. Toufé Maecha is also prohibited from writing articles for the duration of the investigation.
Comoros authorities should refrain from cavalierly arresting journalists for their reporting and instead recognize the importance of publishing news on matters of public interest
- Moussa Ngom, CPJ’s Francophone Africa representative
Survey: Three quarters of Comorians feel they are not free to express their opinions
On 8th June 2026, the survey research network Afrobarometer published a report on the views of Comorians on issues of freedoms, media independence and democracy.
The main findings highlight that the majority of Comorians would like the media to be free to report on all ideas and opinions without government interference, and want them to investigate and report regularly on corruption and government failings. However, according to the survey, two thirds of the respondents state that the media are not truly free to carry out these tasks without censorship or government interference.
A majority of Comorians feel they do not have sufficient freedom of expression: three quarters of them say they are ‘not very free’ (21%) or ‘not at all free’ (54%) to express their opinions. Compared with citizens of 37 other countries surveyed by Afrobarometer in 2024-2025, Comorians are the least likely to report enjoying freedom of expression.
Minister refuses to answer questions during international summit
On 11th and 12th May 2026, an international summit entitled “Africa-France Partnerships for Innovation and Growth” took place in Nairobi, Kenya. The newspaper Comoresinfo was officially invited and accredited. Once there, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mbae Mohamed, clearly indicated to the journalists that he would not answer questions from the media.