Africa-Press. Tensions have escalated in the Comoros as an open-ended strike protesting rising fuel prices enters its third day, amid widespread security presence and clashes between security forces and protesters in several areas of the capital Moroni and nearby cities.
On Wednesday, May 13, 2026, armored vehicles were deployed in the streets of the capital, while clashes erupted between security forces and young protesters. The government described the protests as a disruption of public order, announcing the arrest of 26 young individuals in connection with the unrest.
The streets of Moroni have appeared nearly deserted since Sunday, May 11, 2026, as transport drivers and shop owners continue their strike against the recent increase in fuel prices, causing widespread paralysis affecting schools, businesses, and the health and fishing sectors.
The government asserts that the decision to raise prices was due to losses estimated at around 3.4 billion Comorian francs for each fuel shipment, considering that the current measures are necessary to avoid a larger crisis in the supply of petroleum products.
The Secretary General of the government, Nour Al-Fath Azali, stated that the authorities are seeking to open a dialogue to find a way out of the crisis, warning of the repercussions of the current situation on the economy and professional activities, especially for business owners.
In contrast, the opposition accused the government of mismanaging the crisis and resorting to repressive measures against strikers, asserting that the authorities have failed to provide real solutions or engage in serious dialogue with the protesters.
Former presidential candidate Dawood Abdullah Mohammed stated that the government is “shirking its responsibilities” by using security forces to suppress the strike and attempting to divide the unions.
As tensions continue to rise, the transport union renewed its call for the open-ended strike to continue, while fishermen threatened to resort to an “alternative plan” if fuel prices are not reduced by Thursday.
The crisis has also taken a serious turn with the closure of the national highway leading to the airport and the setting of fires, increasing tensions and fears of a wider spread of unrest in the country.
