Comoros
In early 2026, the Union of the Comoros is navigating the aftermath of a deeply contested election cycle and a notable trend toward the consolidation of executive power. While the archipelago is generally peaceful compared to its continental neighbors, human rights organizations have raised alarms regarding the erosion of civil liberties and the targeting of religious minorities.
1. Political Repression and Electoral Integrity
The political climate remains tense following the January 2024 presidential election, which saw President Azali Assoumani re-elected amidst allegations of widespread fraud.
Suppression of Dissent: Post-election protests were met with a heavy security response, including live ammunition and tear gas. In late 2025 and early 2026, the government continued to use "disturbing public order" charges to arrest young activists (such as members of the Gen Z 269 movement) who demonstrated against corruption and the high cost of living.
Arbitrary Detention: Opposition figures and protesters are frequently held in prolonged pretrial detention. In December 2025, the suspicious death of a suspect in police custody in Fomboni sparked fresh riots and barricades, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding police brutality and a lack of custodial oversight.
2. Freedom of Expression and Media
While the press has historically been relatively free, new legislative and judicial pressures have created a "chilling effect."
Victory for Source Protection: In a rare win for civil society, the Comorian Parliament rejected a proposed 2025 law that would have forced journalists to reveal their sources to judges. The revised Information Code (passed in late December 2025) now explicitly protects journalists from such harassment.
Digital Harassment: Despite legal protections, journalists still face intimidation. In November 2025, a correspondent was summoned and interrogated by police for three hours after posting on Facebook about the poor treatment of washed-up migrants at a police station.
3. Religious Freedom and Minority Rights
Comoros identifies strongly as a Sunni Muslim nation, and the state has increasingly restricted non-Sunni practices.
Persecution of Converts: As of the 2026 World Watch List, Comoros remains a difficult place for religious minorities. Public preaching of any religion other than Sunni Islam is illegal. Christian converts from Islam face severe societal and familial pressure, including house arrest, forced divorce, and physical abuse.
Discriminatory Laws: Non-Sunni rituals are frequently banned under the guise of "maintaining social cohesion." In late 2025, several individuals were reportedly detained or harassed for questioning traditional religious practices or attempting to gather for non-Sunni worship.
4. Migration and Human Trafficking
Comoros serves as a significant source and transit point for human trafficking in the Indian Ocean.
The "Visa of Death": The restrictive "Balladur visa" between Comoros and the French island of Mayotte continues to drive a dangerous smuggling trade. Thousands of Comorians risk the perilous sea crossing in small boats (kwassa-kwassa) annually, leading to frequent maritime tragedies.
Exploitation of Minors: Children, particularly from rural areas, remain highly vulnerable to domestic servitude and forced labor in the agricultural sector. While the government has established anti-trafficking units, enforcement remains inconsistent.
5. LGBTQ+ Rights and Social Morality
Societal and legal discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals has intensified under the 2020 Penal Code.
Criminalization: Sexual acts "contrary to nature" are punishable by up to two years in prison. In a landmark case in late 2024, a lesbian couple was sentenced to jail for attempting to marry—the first such conviction for women in the country's history.
Climate of Fear: Due to the combination of state criminalization and conservative social norms, there are no open LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations in Comoros as of 2026.