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Comoros Remains Fragile State Amid Constitutional Crisis

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The Comoros Islands has been plagued by a fragile political landscape since 2009, with the government and opposition locked in a bitter dispute over constitutional reforms.

Limited International Cooperation

The Comoros is party to several international treaties aimed at combating organized crime, but its efforts have been deemed insufficient. The country’s political relationship with France, a key partner due to its proximity to Mayotte, has fluctuated and remains strained. Few extradition agreements exist between Comoros and other nations, and international cooperation appears limited.

Weak Justice System

Courts in Comoros are under-resourced and overburdened, with political interference from the executive exacerbating the situation. The suspension of the constitutional court in 2018 by presidential decree has raised concerns about the rule of law. Corruption is rampant throughout the judiciary and legal profession, leading many to prefer informal justice systems.

Border Security Lacking

Maintaining border security is a significant challenge due to the country’s archipelago nature and under-resourced border police. Maritime surveillance capacity is extremely limited, making it easy for smugglers to operate undetected.

Economic and Financial Challenges

The financial system in Comoros is underdeveloped, lacking the means to estimate proceeds of illicit activity. While money laundering is criminalized, policies are poorly implemented, and systems for identifying instances of money laundering are weak. The business environment is unsuitable, with entrepreneurs unsupported and regulatory capacity extremely poor.

Civil Society Struggles

Victims of organized crime receive insufficient support, while human-trafficking victims are often housed by government employees due to lack of resources. There is no support available for drug users, and civil-society organizations rely on private funding and face inadequate resources.

Media Landscape Deteriorates

Journalists in Comoros face numerous freedom violations, including arrests, attacks, and intimidation. The controversial referendum in 2018 has led to a worsening media landscape, with some journalists forced to flee the country. Strict defamation laws also impede freedom of press, contributing to the deteriorating environment for journalists in Comoros.

Funding Disclosure

This report was funded in part by a grant from the United States Department of State. The opinions, findings, and conclusions stated herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the United States Department of State.