Comoros President empowers son, sparks succession concerns

Comoros President Azali Assoumani has granted his son, Nour El Fath, extensive new powers, fueling speculation about potential succession plans. The 40-year-old El Fath, recently appointed as secretary general of the government, now has the authority to evaluate ministers and intervene in all stages of government decision-making.

Critics view this move as preparation for El Fath to succeed his father when the president’s term ends in 2029. Assoumani, who first came to power through a coup in 1999 and has won four elections since 2002, has faced accusations of voter fraud in his recent re-election.

The government maintains that the presidential decree merely clarifies El Fath’s role. However, political commentators see it as a clear sign of Assoumani’s intentions to groom his son for leadership.

Comoros, an island nation off Mozambique’s coast with a population of about 800,000, has a tumultuous political history. It has experienced around 20 coups or attempted coups since gaining independence from France in 1975. Constitutional reforms in 2018 extended the presidential term rotation among the three main islands from five to ten years.

For El Fath to be eligible for the presidency in 2029, further constitutional changes would be necessary. This situation adds another layer of complexity to the country’s political landscape, raising questions about the future of democracy and governance in Comoros.