Comoros History:

The islands of the Comoros archipelago gained prominence between the 14th and 15th Centuries when trading on the Indian Ocean was thriving; as a result, a number of small towns grew and thrived as stopping points for merchants to obtain supplies and also boat repair. As the islands gained importance, they were slowly overrun and towns came under rule of Chiefs from north Madagascar. The French first arrived here at about early 19th Century and slowly asserted their influence. By 1886 the Islands of the Comoros archipelago were declared a French Protectorate and a French colony in 1912.

Post-Colonial:

Comoros obtained its independence from France on the 6th of July 1975, though the Island of Mayotte is at present still under French Administration. Independent Comoros has since its inception had to endure a tumultuous history and there have been 19 coups or coup attempts in the Comoros. A new Constitution was approved and adopted in December 2001 with elections held a year later. The new Constitution instilled a federal government system which meant that each of the islands’ was headed by an elected president and maintained a certain level of autonomy.