REBEL SIEGE
Military breaks six-day siege to regain control of Anjouan in Comoros
Anjouan — Residents on the Comoros island of Anjouan slowly returned to their daily lives on Sunday after a six-day siege in the old quarter of Mutsamudu city, where soldiers had fought with rebels in the narrow lanes. The military said it had taken control of the medina quarter on Saturday, after the latest bout of instability on the coup-prone Indian Ocean archipelago claimed three lives. Anjouan’s port reopened after being closed for several days, and soldiers patrolled the streets as local people emerged from their homes. Some expressed scepticism over whether the armed rebels, who are opposed to President Azali Assoumani, had been removed by the military in an apparently peaceful operation on Saturday. Military checkpoints were still in place around the medina, and most streets were deserted. Stones and teargas canisters littered some areas after the week of clashes. Residents, who were without power or water during the stand-off, emerged on balconies on Boulevard Mohamed Ahmed...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.