Comoros - Photo: United States Government

Comoros

Comoros suffers from high poverty rates and a history of internal conflict. The greatest concern, however, is a severe lack of Gospel witness. According to a constitutional referendum in 2009, Comoros is an Islamic state. The constitution also dictates that all public policies must be based on Islamic beliefs. While there are some legal provisions for religious freedom, proselytization to any religion except Islam is illegal. Laws for the prosecution of converts are in place, but it is not clear what those penalties will be. The very few who do come to Christ face discrimination from the Muslim majority (98 percent) and are pressured not to practise their faith. Foreigners are generally free to practise their religion, but if they engage in any proselytization, they can legally be expelled from the country.

Disillusioned and feeling hopeless, many youth are turning to illicit drugs and sex. Some are choosing to leave the islands entirely. Christians who are watching developments in Comoros are hoping and praying that those who leave the country will find Christ and later return to share Him in their homeland. This will most certainly result in persecution, but the fact remains that the people of Comoros desperately need Christ.

  • Country Information

    Population
    888,378 (2023 est.)

    Ethnicity
    Antalote, Cafre, Makoa, Oimatsaha, Sakalava

    Religion (%)
    Muslim (98.1), ethnic religions (1.1), Christian (0.6) Other (0.3)

    Leader
    President Azali Assoumani (2016)

    Government type
    Federal presidential republic

    Legal system
    Mixed legal system of Islamic religious law, the French civil code of 1975, and customary law

    Sources: CIA World Factbook, U.S. State Department and Operation World.

  • Pray for Comoros

    Ask God to give Christian foreigners within the country the boldness that they need to proclaim Christ, regardless of the consequences.

    Pray that those who have left the country will come in contact with the Gospel, respond to Christ, and then bring the salvation message back home to their friends and families.

    Ask God to minister to the indigenous Christians scattered throughout the country, bringing them encouragement, strength and access to the Word of God.

Comoros News

  • Sunni Islam Declared Official Religion

    A street in Comoros - Photo: World Watch Monitor www.worldwatchmonitor.org
    The amended constitution of Comoros declares Sunni Islam as the "religion of the state."
    Photo: David Stanley via World Watch Monitor

    Constitutional reforms approved in a referendum on July 30th have created concerns in the African island nation of Comoros. Opposition leaders called on people to boycott the referendum, believing that it was not legitimate.

    Along with extending the power and term of the president, one area of particular concern to religious minorities in the country is the removal of a clause separating religion and state. Previously, the country was considered an Islamic state, but the constitutional change now officially declares it as such with the following declaration: "The state draws from this religion the principles and rules of Sunnite observance."

  • Four Detained in Comoros
    Comoros Islands

    Four men have been imprisoned in Moroni, Comoros for their "involvement in Christianity" according to a June 14 report from the Dutch office of Open Doors. Open Doors reports that police have allegedly detained a former Muslim teenager, a married couple, a Muslim home owner and another Muslim who showed interest in Christianity.