Comoros - August 2024

In August 2024, Comoros President Azali Assoumani granted his son, Nour El Fath Azali, significant authority over government affairs, sparking fears of dynastic control. El Fath was appointed secretary general of the government on 1 July, a role traditionally administrative but greatly expanded by decree on 6 August. With his new powers, the secretary general of Comoros must approve all decrees issued by ministers and governors of the three islands before being officially published and enacted. The decree also allows El Fath to intervene at all stages of government decision making. Critics believe this move elevates El Fath’s role to that of de facto prime minister. The expansion of El Fath’s role has raised alarms over the continued erosion of democratic governance in Comoros, with human rights groups warning of weakened political checks and balances as well as a significant increase in authority.

Sources: Jeune Afrique (1), Jeune Afrique (2), Reuters, RFI, France24