Comoros President Assoumani Confirms Plan to Succession to Son

Comoros President Azali Assoumani has publicly announced his intention to hand over power to his son, Nour El Fath, when he leaves office in 2029, a statement that aligns with long-standing criticisms of his efforts to establish a dynastic succession. Despite Assoumani's claims that he is not establishing a monarchy, opposition leaders have expressed outrage, arguing that the move undermines the democratic process in the island nation. Assoumani's ruling party recently won parliamentary elections amid allegations of voter fraud, with many opposition members boycotting the vote. The Comoros constitution mandates a rotation of the presidency among its three main islands, which raises questions about El Fath's eligibility unless the law is amended. Critics emphasize that this development threatens the fragile democratic fabric of the Comoros, which has a history of political instability and coups. Assoumani's tenure has been marked by controversy, having first seized power in a coup in 1999 and won several elections since then under disputed circumstances.