CONCERNS are growing in Africa and internationally over potentially undemocratic actions by the President of Comoros, Azali Assoumani.
According to Reuters, President Assoumani granted his son, Nour El Fath extensive new powers. A presidential decree published on August 7 gives El Fath the authority to intervene at all stages of government decision-making and evaluate ministers. This follows El Fath’s appointment as secretary general of the government on July 1, 2024.
Reuters reports that Assoumani, 65, was re-elected in January 2024 amid allegations of voter fraud. His opponents accuse him of preparing his 40-year-old son to succeed him when his term ends in 2029, though Assoumani has not commented on these allegations.
The news agency quotes Franco-Comorian lawyer and political commentator Saïd Larifou as saying, “There is no doubt that Colonel Azali Assoumani, by granting presidential and constitutional prerogatives to his son, is preparing the latter to succeed him.”
Reuters provides context on Comoros’ political landscape, noting that the country of about 800,000 people has experienced around 20 coups or attempted coups since gaining independence from France in 1975. Assoumani first came to power through a coup in 1999 and has won four elections since 2002.
The article mentions that constitutional reforms in 2018 extended the requirement for the presidency to rotate among the three main islands from every five years to ten. As it stands, El Fath would not be eligible to replace his father in 2029 unless the constitution were changed again.
Reuters reports that government spokesperson Fatima Hamada defended the move, stating that the presidential decree merely clarified and formalized El Fath’s prerogatives as secretary general.
This report from Reuters highlights the growing concerns over potential dynastic rule and democratic backsliding in Comoros, a development that is likely to be closely watched by regional and international observers.
