The Comoros celebrated Journée nationale Maore on November 12 at the Palais du peuple in Moroni, with hundreds of students, authorities, and diplomats in attendance. The event was organized by the Comité Maoré in partnership with the government and featured a festive atmosphere with children waving Comorian flags and holding banners and placards expressing their attachment to the unity of the four islands of the archipelago.
The celebration included four interventions, starting with a welcome speech by Milissane Hamdia, vice-president of the Assembly of the Union of the Comoros. Monjoin Mohamed, president of the Comité Maoré, then spoke, recalling the importance of November 12, 1975, when the new Comorian state, comprising the islands of Mayotte, Ndzuani, Mwali, and Ngazidja, was admitted to the United Nations.
Monjoin Mohamed emphasized that Journée nationale Maore is not only a celebration of international recognition but also a reminder of the injustice of the annexation of part of Comorian territory by the colonial power, France, which still occupies the island of Mayotte. He denounced France's policy, accusing it of maintaining its occupation of part of Comorian territory while presenting itself as a champion of human rights.
The president of the Comité Maoré also praised the French president's recent statements at the United Nations General Assembly, where he denounced France's strategy to impose its fait accompli on Mayotte. Monjoin Mohamed expressed concerns about France's efforts to integrate Mayotte into the Indian Ocean Commission, which he believes would undermine the organization's founding principles.
Youssouf Moussa, head of the Mayotte delegation, called on the government to take concrete measures to counter French strategy, citing the continued expulsion of Comorians from the three islands present in Mayotte. He emphasized that the slogan "Mayotte is Comorian and will remain so forever" must be accompanied by a genuine diplomatic strategy to respond to French initiatives on the ground.
Aboubacar Said Anli, Minister of Energy and interim head of state, paid tribute to organizations and individuals who advocate for the unity of the country and organize the Journée Maore every year. He announced that the government intends to prioritize diplomatic dialogue with France to find a peaceful solution to the issue of Mayotte.
The Journée nationale Maore celebration concluded with a reaffirmation of the Comoros' sovereignty over Mayotte and a commitment to continue efforts to achieve unity and international recognition. The event demonstrated the Comorian people's attachment to their national identity and their determination to defend their territorial integrity.
Key points
- The Comoros celebrated Journée nationale Maore, reaffirming its claim on Mayotte and denouncing France's occupation of the island.
- The event was attended by hundreds of students, authorities, and diplomats, and featured a festive atmosphere with children waving Comorian flags.
- The Comorian government intends to prioritize diplomatic dialogue with France to find a peaceful solution to the issue of Mayotte.
