Africa | East Africa

Comoros

Population

926,000

Religion

Islam (98%)

Christians

Less than 5,000

About Comoros

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).

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State of Religious Freedom

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.”

Politics

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.

References:

Britannica