Presidential elections: UN Rights chief calls for calm in Comoros

By Cecilia Ologunagba

New York, Jan. 18, 2024

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has appealed for restraint in the wake of protests and heightened tensions following Sunday’s presidential elections in the Comoros.

Incumbent president of the island Archipelago, off the east African coast, Azali Assoumani, was re-elected for a fourth term.

However, the turnout was reportedly only 16 per cent and opposition parties denounced the elections as “fraudulent,” according to media reports.

Türk, in a statement on Wednesday, called on the authorities to ensure the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.

He also urged demonstrators not to resort to violence, after reports of pillaging in capital Moroni on Tuesday and incidents of arson against several public buildings in the islands of Moheli and Anjouan on election day.

“It is paramount that the authorities ensure a safe environment, where all Comorians, including members of the political opposition, can freely express their views and exercise their right to peaceful assembly,” he said.

According to him, Sunday’s polls took place following weeks of curtailed civic and democratic space, with reports of arbitrary detention and allegations of enforced disappearance of detainees.

A de facto ban on peaceful demonstrations and public political gatherings has been in place since 2019.

The high commissioner also urged the Government to steer the country towards democracy.

“A new chapter should begin for all the Comorians; one that is based on pluralism, freedom of expression, justice and accountability.

“Otherwise, democracy will never be fulfilled,” he said.