In a response to the re-election of President Azali Assoumani, authorities in Comoros have resorted to cutting off access to the internet, leading to violent clashes between police and opposition supporters in the capital, Moroni. The electoral commission declared that Mr. Assoumani secured a fourth term as president with 63% of the vote, which triggered protests from opposition parties who deemed the results fraudulent and demanded their cancellation.
The aftermath of the disputed election has seen widespread unrest in Comoros, with reports of vandalized, looted, and burned buildings, including the home of a minister. To curb the escalating violence, a night-time curfew has been imposed, and an unspecified number of protesters have been arrested. However, despite these measures, clashes between police and angry demonstrators have persisted, resulting in one reported fatality and six others injured, with one person in critical condition.
In an effort to hinder protesters from organizing and sharing information on social networks, internet services in Comoros have been severely disrupted. Netblocks, a global internet monitoring site, confirms the intentional blocking of certain websites and the restriction of WhatsApp calls, while Comores Infos news website reports that mobile messaging has been limited due to low connection speeds. The aim of these restrictions is to prevent protesters from effectively communicating and sharing compromising images.
Health officials have now reported the first casualties from the protests, with six individuals admitted to the El Maarouf hospital in Moroni, one of them in critical condition. Opposition Orange party official, Daoudou Abdallah Mohamed, described the protests as a “spontaneous uprising against autocratic rule,” clarifying that the opposition did not organize the demonstrations but expressed solidarity with the protesting youths.
In response to the unrest, government spokesperson Houmed Msaidie emphasized that the state would not tolerate violence and stated, “We know the instigators.” The Comoros’ Supreme Court is expected to confirm Mr. Assoumani’s election victory over the weekend, shedding further light on the trajectory of the crisis in the country.
The internet shutdown and the violent clashes in Comoros amid the election dispute have serious implications for the nation and its citizens. The restriction of internet access inhibits the flow of vital information and connectivity, making it challenging for individuals to effectively communicate, mobilize, and express their grievances. Furthermore, the violent clashes between police and protesters raise concerns about the potential for further casualties and deterioration of the security situation.
It is crucial for authorities to find a peaceful resolution to the dispute by ensuring transparency in addressing allegations of electoral fraud. Open dialogue and negotiations between the government and opposition parties could play a vital role in restoring stability and achieving a satisfactory outcome for all parties involved. Additionally, international organizations and neighboring countries should closely monitor the situation and offer support to facilitate peaceful dialogue and ensure the protection of human rights.
As the internet shutdown persists, it is vital for citizens to seek alternative methods of communication to stay informed about developments and ensure their safety. Engaging in peaceful protests and abiding by any imposed curfews or restrictions can help mitigate the risk of further violence and ensure that grievances are expressed in a non-threatening manner.
The international community should be mindful of the situation in Comoros and consider diplomatic efforts to promote a peaceful resolution. Providing humanitarian aid and resources to affected communities, as well as exerting pressure on authorities to respect human rights, can contribute to de-escalating tensions and fostering a stable and inclusive future for Comoros.
