1997 Anjouan independence referendum

An independence referendum was held on Anjouan, an island in the Comoros, on 26 October 1997.[1] Over 99% of voters voted in favour of independence. However, the vote was not recognised and the island returned to the control of the Comorian government in 2001.

Comoros
This article is part of a series on the
politics and government of
the Comoros

Member State of the Arab League

Background

In July 1997 opposition parties were banned and Anjouan separatist leader Abdallah Ibrahim was arrested. His arrest led to rioting in Mutsamudu, the capital of Anjouan.[2] Following the riots, militants from the Anjouan People's Movement took over the island, and declared independence on 3 August 1997. Ibrahim was released from prison and named President. At the same time, the island of Mohéli also declared independence.[2]

On 3 October the Comorian army attempted to invade the island, but were repulsed by local troops.[3] A referendum was subsequently called by Ibrahim despite opposition from the Organisation for African Unity and the Arab League.[3]

Results
Choice Votes %
For135,11699.68
Against4390.32
Invalid/blank votes3,444–
Total138,999100
Registered voters/turnout146,59394.79
Source: Direct Democracy

Aftermath

Following the referendum, Ibrahim was appointed head of a provision government of island, now renamed Nzwani. In mid-November he agreed to attend peace talks with Comorian president Mohamed Taki Abdoulkarim.[2] After the talks fell through, Anjouan voters subsequently approved a draft constitution in a referendum in February 1998.[2]

Following another failed attempt to reach agreement in 1999,[4] agreement was reached between the Comorian government and the Anjouan separatists in 2001 to progress with a national referendum on a new federal constitution.[2] This was approved by 76% of voters nationally, and 95% of voters on Anjouan.[5]

gollark: (Hi Queen, don't take this as traitorous please)
gollark: Me and some friends drafted a bit of a national constitution a while ago, I'm totally qualified to help.
gollark: Just found a new country and rule that.
gollark: They would be too mad about everything else you did and social media posts from 1986.
gollark: Yes.

References
  1. Anjouan (Comoros), 26 October 1997: Independent Direct Democracy (in German)
  2. Tom Lansford (2015) Political Handbook of the World 2015, CQ Press
  3. COMORO ISLANDS: Anjouan Leader Plans Referendum On Secession IPS, 13 October 1997
  4. Comoros profile BBC News
  5. Elections in the Comoros African Elections Database
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