How a volcanic archipelago in the Indian Ocean became a geopolitical puzzle for France

History · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: The Comoros islands have been a crossroads for centuries, blending African, Arab, and Austronesian cultures. Yet, this strategic archipelago remains fractured. While three islands declared independence in 1975, one remains under French administration, sparking decades of political instability, mercenary coups, and a persistent struggle for national sovereignty.

The Comoros archipelago, located in the western Indian Ocean, has a complex human history dating back to the 5th or 6th century CE. Early inhabitants included people of Malayo-Polynesian descent, followed by arrivals from Africa and Madagascar, and significant Arab influence. By the 16th century, the islands were appearing on European maps, though they remained under strong Arabian influence until the 19th century. Portuguese explorers were the first Europeans to visit, followed by English travelers like James Lancaster, who visited Grande Comore around 1591.

France’s formal control began in 1843 with the acquisition of Mayotte, eventually placing the entire archipelago under its protection by 1886. The path to independence was fraught with division. In 1974, while three islands voted for independence, Mayotte favored continued French rule. When Comorian President Ahmed Abdallah declared the entire archipelago independent on July 6, 1975, France recognized only the three islands, designating Mayotte a territorial collectivity. This split led to years of turmoil, including the 1978 coup by French mercenary Robert Denard, which reinstated Abdallah, and his subsequent assassination in 1989.

The late 20th century saw repeated secessionist movements, particularly on Anjouan and Mohéli. By 1997, these islands declared independence from the republic, though their claims were never internationally recognized. Stability remained elusive until a 2001 agreement established a rotating presidency among the three islands, providing each with partial autonomy. Despite this, tensions persisted, culminating in a 2008 invasion of Anjouan by Comorian and African Union troops to oust the local leader, Mohamed Bacar. Today, the status of Mayotte remains a point of contention, as it voted in 2009 to become an overseas department of France, a move rejected by the Comorian government.

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