Page "History of Comoros" Paragraph 28

In 1997, the islands of Anjouan and Mohéli declared their independence from Comoros.

A subsequent attempt by the government to re-establish control over the rebellious islands by force failed, and presently the African Union is brokering negotiations to effect a reconciliation.

This process is largely complete, at least in theory.

According to some sources, Mohéli did return to government control in 1998.

In 1999, Anjouan had internal conflicts and on August 1 of that year, the 80-year-old first president Foundi Abdallah Ibrahim resigned, transferring power to a national coordinator, Said Abeid.

The government was overthrown in a coup by army and navy officers on August 9, 2001.

Mohamed Bacar soon rose to leadership of the junta that took over and by the end of the month he was the leader of the country.

Despite two coup attempts in the following three months, including one by Abeid, Bacar ’ s government remained in power, and was apparently more willing to negotiate with Comoros.

Presidential elections were held for all of Comoros in 2002, and presidents have been chosen for all three islands as well, which have become a confederation.

Most notably, Mohammed Bacar was elected for a 5-year term as president of Anjouan.

Grande Comore had experienced troubles of its own in the late 1990s, when President Taki died on November 6, 1998.

Colonel Azali Assoumani became president following a military coup in 1999.

There have been several coup attempts since, but he gained firm control of the country after stepping down temporarily and winning a presidential election in 2002.