Comores
Comores is a group of islands at the northern mouth of the Mozambique Channel, about two-thirds of the way between northern Madagascar and northern Mozambique.
Comoros has endured more than 20 coups or attempted coups since gaining independence from France in 1975. In 1997, the islands of Anjouan and Moheli declared independence from Comoros. In 1999, military chief Col. AZALI seized power in a bloodless coup, and helped negotiate the 2000 Fomboni Accords power-sharing agreement in which the federal presidency rotates among the three islands, and each island maintains its own local government. AZALI won the 2002 presidential election, and each island in the archipelago elected its own president. AZALI stepped down in 2006 and President SAMBI was elected to office. In 2007, Mohamed BACAR effected Anjouan’s de-facto secession from the Union, refusing to step down in favor of fresh Anjouanais elections when Comoros’ other islands held legitimate elections in July. The African Union (AU) initially attempted to resolve the political crisis by applying sanctions and a naval blockade on Anjouan, but in March 2008, AU and Comoran soldiers seized the island. The move was generally welcomed by the island’s inhabitants.
Capital: Moroni
Population: 737,284 (July 2012 est.)
People Groups: Antalote, Cafre, Makoa, Oimatsaha, Sakalava
Languages: Arabic (official), French (official), Shikomoro (a blend of Swahili and Arabic)
Religions: Sunni Muslim 98%, Roman Catholic 2%
Government:
Executive branch :chief of state: President Ikililou DHOININE (since 26 May 2011)
head of government: President Ikililou DHOININE (since 26 May 2011)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
Assembly of the Union (33 seats; 15 deputies are selected by the individual islands’ local assemblies and 18 by universal suffrage to serve for five years);
elections:
Supreme Court or Cour Supremes (two members appointed by the president, two members elected by the Federal Assembly, one elected by the Council of each island, and others are former presidents of the republic)
Living Conditions: current situation: Comoros is a source country for men, women, and children subjected to forced labor and sex trafficking; children are subjected to forced labor within the country in domestic service, roadside and market vending, baking, and agriculture. Little is being done to change this.
HIV/AIDS infection is negligible. 50% of the population live on less than $1.25 US a day.
History: Early colonization by Arab countries resulted in a great majority of Islamic believers. In 1793, Malagasy warriors from Madagascar first started raiding the islands for slaves, and later settled and seized control in many locations. On Comoros, it was estimated in 1865 that as much as 40% of the population consisted of slaves. France administered the islands from 1841 until independence in 1978. Mayotte remains under French control.
Pray for:
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God to raise up a Man of Peace to give entry to the Muslim population.
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God to reveal his choice of delegates for the Summit.
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Authorities to recognize the evil of child exploitation and take action to combat it.
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Victory over the spiritual effects of 19th century slavery.
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A reduction in poverty.
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Political integrity among the leaders in each island.