Comoros--Christian Persecution in Comoros

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Africa: Comoros

Country Report Last Updated: April 2002

Code: A-3

(Click here for a code description.)

(Click here for a list of ICC articles on Comoros.)
List of Articles Last Updated: November 23, 1999

COUNTRY STATISTICS

Area: 2,170 sq km
Capital: Moroni
Main Cities: Mutsamudu, Fomboni
Population: 596,202
Population Growth: 3.02%
Birth Rate: 39.52 births/ 1000 people
Death Rate: 9.35 deaths/ 1000 people
Infant Mortality: 84.07 deaths/ 1000 live births
Life Expectancy: 60.41 years
Religions: Sunni Muslim, Roman Catholic

Languages: Arabic (official), French (official), Comoran
Ethnic Groups: Antalote, Cafre, Makoa, Oimatsaha
Currency: Comoran franc (KMF)
Exchange Rate: 524.41 KMF = 1 USD
Total GDP: $419 million
Per Capita PPP: $720
Imports: $55.1 million
Exports: $7.9 million

(Source: CIA World Fact Book 2001)

Religious Atmosphere: 98% of the island's people are Muslim. 0.8% are Christian. Many of the Muslims also incorporate traditional religions, including witchcraft.

Extremist Groups:

Islamic fundamentalism seems to be growing in this country and societal attitudes toward Christians are extremely negative.

Government:

The May 2000 constitution declares this country to be an Islamic state.
The constitution does not prohibit discrimination based on religion or religious belief.
While Christian missionaries are allowed to do humanitarian work, proselytizing is illegal.

Recent Actions:

Most discrimination against Christians occurs on the island of Anjouan, where Christians tend to be more open about their faith. In the town of Mremeni Christian burials were banned while in the town of Lingoni Christians were banned from attending any community events. Christians in areas of Anjouan also reported being harassed by mobs and forced to attend services at mosques against their will. Recently radio broadcasts have been utilized to provoke anti-Christian hatred.
April 2001 - A Christian man was called before local Islamic leaders in Domoni, Anjouan, and threatened. His father was forced to pay a fine on his behalf and the man and his family had to leave the area for a month.
December 2000 - Community members in Domoni, Anjouan, set a Christian man's hosue on fire. Fortunately the man was able to escape.

April 1999 – Quasi-police authorities known as embargoes arrested three Christians in Anjouan. The Christians reported being beaten during their one-day detention. A local Christian estimated that about 50 Christians had been detained by the embargoes during the past year.

1998 – Authorities in Anjouan arrested and beat a Christian. They also destroyed a home that was used as a Christian meeting place.

Prisoners: There is no evidence that prisoners are being held for their Christian beliefs at this time.

Suggested Actions You Might Take:

Pray for the Christians of Comoros that they may continue to be protected from harm and that the Christian message may be heard and received by all.
Please keep us informed of any replies or results you may receive! Contact ICC by email at icc@persecution.org.

Official Contacts:

Azali Assoumani, President
Office of the President
B.P. 421
Moroni, Comoros

Azali Assoumani (same as above)
Premier
Mahdi, Moroni, Comoros

Ministere des Affaires Etrangeres et Cooperation
Boite Postale 482
Moroni, Republique Islamique Federale du Comoros
Tel: 011 269 73 2306
Fax: 011 269 73 2108

*We make every attempt to keep up with and reflect changes in the national government of Comoros and the current human rights situation. We appreciate your feedback if you find any discrepancies in this information. You can contact us by e-mail at: icc@persecution.org. Thanks.

POSTED: April 2, 2002

ICC Articles on Comoros:


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Comoros--Christian Persecution in Comoros

Serving the Persecuted Church: Support & Training of Underground Pastors § Humanitarian Aid § Advocacy for the Persecuted on Capitol Hill

Africa: Comoros

POSTED: April 2, 2002

ICC Articles on Comoros:

Serving the Persecuted Church:
Support & Training of Underground Pastors §
Humanitarian Aid § Advocacy for the Persecuted on Capitol Hill