Comoros President Announces Plan to Hand Power to ...

Comoros President Announces Plan to Hand Power to Son in 2029

Zim Now Writer

President Azali Assoumani of Comoros has publicly declared his intention to hand over power to his son, Nour El Fath, when his term ends in 2029.

This marks the first time Assoumani has openly addressed longstanding accusations that he has been grooming his son to succeed him.

Speaking to supporters on the island of Moheli, Assoumani stated, “I will place my son to replace me as head of the state and the party.” El Fath, who currently oversees government affairs with extensive cabinet authority, has not responded to these remarks. However, he has previously denied that Comoros is moving toward a monarchy.

The announcement has fuelled criticism from opposition parties, who accuse Assoumani of undermining democracy.

Abdallah Mohamed Daoudou, spokesperson for the opposition coalition, stated: “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.”

Comoros, an Indian Ocean nation of around 800,000 people, has experienced over 20 coups or attempted coups since gaining independence from France in 1975. Assoumani, who first seized power in a 1999 coup, has since won four elections, albeit amid accusations of voter fraud.

Constitutional reforms in 2018 extended the presidency's rotation among the three main islands from five to ten years, a change, critics argue was designed to consolidate Assoumani’s power. Without further amendments, El Fath would not be eligible to assume the presidency in 2029.

The ruling party recently secured a decisive win in parliamentary elections, but opposition parties boycotted the vote or rejected the results, citing widespread fraud. This further exacerbates tensions over the country’s governance and electoral integrity.

As Comoros approaches the end of Assoumani’s term, the nation faces critical questions about its democratic future and the potential entrenchment of dynastic rule.