Comoros halts fuel price increases following fatal protests

Comoros announced a temporary suspension on Saturday of the new fuel prices that had been introduced in response to the Iran war, reversing its decision after the increases led to demonstrations and deadly clashes throughout the East African archipelago.

The announcement followed the tragic death of one individual and injuries to five others during clashes between protesters and security forces on the island of Anjouan. “The government and President Azali (Assoumani) have listened to the voices of the Comorian people. ” The only course of action was to heed their words. “The objective is to maintain peace,” stated Energy Minister Aboubacar Saïd Anli during a press conference.

He stated that Azali has put a hold on the decrees concerning the fuel price increase, which were enacted on May 9, to facilitate discussions on the issue.

On Friday, clashes erupted after a meeting between the mayor of the Anjouan Island town of Mirontsy and the fishermen’s association, which has been on strike since Wednesday in response to increasing fuel prices.

In Mutsamudu, the capital of Anjouan, roads were obstructed by stones. A judicial investigation has been initiated to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the individual’s death, which took place near Mpage.

The unrest ensued after a wider strike that commenced on Monday, triggered by the government’s decision to increase diesel prices by 46% and gasoline prices by 35%, attributing the hike to the surge in global oil prices resulting from the conflict in the Middle East.

Transport workers and shopkeepers have disrupted public transportation in the national capital, Moroni, resulting in the detention of 39 individuals, as reported by the National Human Rights Commission.

On Saturday, the president of the transport workers’ union and the head of the merchants’ union declared the conclusion of the strike.