The archipelago of the Comoros in the Indian Ocean is composed of the islands of Anjouan, Moheli, and Grande Comore. The volcanic islands have been called the “perfumed islands” for their fragrant plant life (particularly known for growing vanilla) and are known for their great scenic beauty. The economy is mostly based on subsistence agriculture and fishing).
Comoros
926,000
Islam (98%)
Less than 5,000
Comoros has a federal presidential republic led by President Azali Assoumani. After years of political instability following independence from France in 1975, the Comoros archipelago underwent a democratic transition in 2006. Presidential elections were held in the Comoros on 14 January 2024. Election officials initially announced on 16 January that incumbent president Azali Assoumani had been re-elected with 63% of the vote, with a voter turnout of just 16%.
According to EIU, the political landscape will remain fragile following the contested presidential elections. It is expected that Assoumani will remain in power until 2029 using his tight grip on state security apparatus to crackdown on dissent.
There is no real freedom or religion or belief in the Comoros. Sunni Islam is state religion and the Shafi’i school of Sunni Islam sets the norms for life. 98% of the population is Muslim. Although the Constitution declares equality of rights for all individuals regardless of religion or belief, proselytising is illegal and punishable by a fine and imprisonment, except for Sunni Islam. By law foreigners who proselytise to anything other than Sunni Islam can be deported.
There are only a handful of non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Christian NGOs face governmental restrictions in advertising and operations.
Open Doors reports that Christian families, particularly converts from Islam, face acute challenges. To avoid alienation, they feel obliged to send their children to madrasas. They cannot worship in public or even discuss Christianity in public spaces, because it will be seen as evangelism. Female converts may find themselves under house arrest as a form of social penalty. Most Christians and others from religious minorities, practice their faith in secret.
Freedom House confirms that Anti-Shia sentiments have been publicly expressed by some government figures, while many Christians keep their faith private to avoid harassment.
“In 2022 and 2023, Shia and Ahmadi Muslims reported that they were unable to worship publicly, and government authorities occasionally attended their religious gatherings in private homes to observe their practices without interference. The conservative nature of society and the government’s stance on religion have contributed to these restrictions.”
- Pray for Christian women, particularly converts from Islam, facing house arrest, forced marriage, and social exclusion. Seek their safety and emotional healing.
- Support Christian men, especially converts, at risk of expulsion from homes and workplace discrimination. Pray for their safety and provision for families facing isolation.
- Ask for hope for Christian families pressured to send children to Islamic schools. Pray for resources and safe spaces to nurture their faith privately.
- Pray for youth navigating a society that shuns non-Muslims. Ask the Church to guide them with faith to resist cultural pressures and radical influences.
- Seek freedom for Christians limited to worshiping in only two designated churches in Moroni and Mutsamudu. Pray for opportunities to gather safely.
- Comoros’ government enforces Sunni Islam as the state religion. Pray for leadership that respects religious freedom for all.
- Pray that Christians may share Christ’s love discreetly.
- Comoros ranks 42nd on the 2025 World Watch List, with persecution driven by Islamic oppression and government restrictions. Pray for strength for believers facing these challenges.
- Lift up Christian leaders, especially converts, who risk harassment and ostracism for their faith. Ask for their protection and guidance to lead in secret.
- Thank God for the Comoros archipelago and its 926,000 people. Pray for harmony and openness to embrace diversity in this island nation.
- Give thanks for the small Christian community of a few thousand holding fast in a restrictive environment. Ask for resilience to live out their faith quietly.
- Praise God for the hidden witness of Christians sharing their beliefs despite risks. Pray for wisdom and courage to shine in their communities.
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