PRESIDENT Azali Assoumani of Comoros has openly declared his intention to hand over power to his son, Nour El Fath, in 2029. The announcement marks the first public confirmation of critics’ long-standing accusations that Assoumani has been grooming El Fath for the presidency, according to Reuters.
Speaking to supporters on Moheli, one of the three islands that make up Comoros, Assoumani stated, ‘I will place my son to replace me as head of the state and the party.’ His remarks come amid growing criticism of alleged nepotism and dynastic ambitions in the country’s leadership.
Nour El Fath, who currently oversees government affairs with broad powers over the cabinet, did not respond to request for comment. However, he has previously dismissed claims of monarchical tendencies in Comoros, asserting that the country is a republic.
Critics condemn dynastic plans
Opposition leaders swiftly condemned Assoumani’s announcement. Abdallah Mohamed Daoudou, a spokesperson for the opposition coalition, remarked, ‘With this statement, he has only made official what we already knew. But Azali is deluding himself. The Comorian people and politicians will not accept the installation of a dynastic power or a monarchy in the Comoros.’
The political tension follows parliamentary elections earlier this month, in which Assoumani’s ruling party secured a decisive victory. Opposition parties either boycotted the elections or rejected the results, citing allegations of widespread voter fraud.
Assoumani’s re-election last year was similarly marred by accusations of electoral irregularities, further fuelling distrust among opposition groups.
A history of political instability
Comoros, an Indian Ocean archipelago with a population of approximately 800,000, has a tumultuous history marked by political instability. Since gaining independence from France in 1975, the nation has experienced about 20 coups or attempted coups.
Assoumani himself first seized power in a 1999 coup and has since won four elections. A 2018 constitutional amendment extended the presidency’s rotational system among the three islands from five years to 10. This reform, critics argue, solidified Assoumani’s grip on power.
Under the current constitution, Nour El Fath would not be eligible to succeed his father unless another constitutional amendment is introduced. This possibility has raised concerns among opposition leaders, who fear further erosion of democratic principles.
Future uncertainty
While Assoumani’s announcement cements suspicions of dynastic ambitions, the path to realising these plans remains uncertain. Opposition groups have vowed to resist any attempts to establish a hereditary political system in Comoros, warning of significant backlash from the population.
For now, Assoumani’s statement has intensified scrutiny of his administration and its long-term vision for the nation. Whether his plans for succession will succeed or spark further instability remains to be seen.
