AGP Executive Report

Culture: Zanzibar’s Sauti za Busara festival has named Comorian singer Nawal among its 2027 performers. The March 19–21 event shifts from February to avoid Ramadan and will use its “Let Them Shine” theme to spotlight children’s rights. Maritime Safety: The Comoros-flagged cargo ship Khoryv sank near Romania after a drone strike on October 23. One sailor died, three remain missing and nine were rescued; Romania and the EU blamed Russia. Energy: New geological and gravity surveys at Grande Comore’s Karthala geothermal field have produced an updated model and recommendations for possible deep exploration drilling. Anjouan Licensing Dispute: Comoros is seeking UK help and preparing possible legal action over a gambling-licensing network it says operates without authorisation, putting nearly 1,500 listed businesses’ licences under scrutiny.

Black Sea Tragedy: The Comoros-flagged cargo ship Khoryv sank near Romania on October 23 after a suspected Russian drone strike. One sailor died, three are missing and nine were rescued. The sinking has intensified calls for stronger protection of Black Sea shipping. Karthala Geothermal: A new assessment of Grande Comore’s Karthala geothermal field has updated exploration targets and drilling recommendations. The UN-backed work also trained Comorian geological staff, bringing the country a step closer to assessing the resource’s potential. Anjouan Gambling Licences: The Comorian government is seeking UK help to investigate an offshore gambling-licensing network it says lacks authorisation, and is preparing possible legal action. Nearly 1,500 businesses listed under the disputed licensing system could be affected.

Black Sea Tragedy: The Comoros-flagged cargo ship Khoryv sank off Romania after a reported drone strike on Oct. 23. One sailor died, three are missing and nine were rescued; Romania and the EU blamed Russia. Karthala Geothermal: A new survey and updated reservoir model have identified potential drilling targets at Grande Comore’s geothermal field, advancing work led by the UNDP and Comoros’ geological bureau. Anjouan Licences: Comoros is seeking UK help and considering legal action over an offshore gambling network it says operates without authorisation. Nearly 1,500 businesses appear on the disputed licence register.

Black Sea Shipping: The Comoros-flagged cargo ship Khoryv sank off Romania after a drone strike, killing one sailor; three are missing and nine were rescued. The European Parliament is urging consideration of an EU naval mission to protect commercial shipping. Karthala Geothermal: A new study of Grande Comore’s Karthala field has updated the reservoir model and identified potential targets for deep exploration drilling, with technical training for Comorian geology staff. Anjouan Gambling Licences: The Comorian government is seeking UK help and preparing possible legal action over a licensing network it says lacks authorisation. Nearly 1,500 businesses appear on the disputed register. Western Indian Ocean: Comoros joined nine other countries at the Nairobi Convention’s COP12, which adopted 15 decisions to advance ocean protection and a sustainable blue economy.

Black Sea Rescue: A Comoros-flagged cargo ship sank near Romania on Friday after sending a distress signal. Romanian authorities say nine crew members were rescued, one died and three remain missing; Romania and the EU blamed a Russian drone attack. Karthala Geothermal: A new assessment of Grande Comore’s Karthala field has identified potential drilling targets and updated the reservoir model, while also providing field training for Comorian geologists. Anjouan Licensing Dispute: The government is seeking UK help to investigate gambling licences it says were issued without authorisation. Nearly 1,500 businesses could be affected as Comoros considers legal action. Ocean Cooperation: Comoros joined nine other countries at the Nairobi Convention’s COP12, which adopted 15 decisions to advance protection and sustainable development across the Western Indian Ocean.

Travel: Comoros is among 17 destinations offering Nigerian passport holders a visa on arrival, for stays of up to 45 days; travellers should check entry rules before departure. Geothermal Energy: A new survey and updated reservoir model for Grande Comore’s Karthala field have identified targets for possible deep exploration drilling, while training Bureau Géologique des Comores staff. Anjouan Licences: The government is seeking UK help and weighing legal action over a gambling-licensing network it says operates without authorisation. Nearly 1,500 businesses appear on the disputed register. Ocean Protection: Comoros joined nine other Nairobi Convention parties in adopting 15 decisions on protecting and sustainably managing the Western Indian Ocean.

Anjouan Licensing Dispute: Comoros is seeking British help to investigate an offshore gambling network operating under Anjouan’s name and is preparing possible legal action. The government disputes the authority behind licences listed for nearly 1,500 businesses. Karthala Geothermal: A new survey and updated assessment of Grande Comore’s Karthala field have identified targets for possible deep exploration drilling, while also training Comorian geology staff. Development Partnership: Comoros and the Islamic Development Bank discussed a new cooperation strategy aligned with the country’s 2026–2030 development plan, and called for faster delivery of ongoing projects. Regional Oceans: Comoros joined Western Indian Ocean partners at the Nairobi Convention’s COP12, which adopted 15 decisions to advance ocean protection and sustainable development.

Geothermal Energy: A UNDP-backed team has completed new surveys at Grande Comore’s Karthala geothermal field, updating exploration targets and recommendations for possible deep drilling. Anjouan Gambling Licences: Comoros is seeking UK help and preparing possible legal action over a licensing network it says lacks authorisation; nearly 1,500 businesses appear on the disputed register. Development: Comoros and the Islamic Development Bank discussed a new partnership strategy aligned with the country’s 2026–2030 development plan, with both sides stressing faster project delivery. Maritime Safety: The Comoros-flagged tanker Yara J caught fire after a reported drone strike near Romania. Its crew were reported safe, and the vessel later reached port. Ocean Protection: Comoros joined other Western Indian Ocean nations at the Nairobi Convention’s COP12, which adopted 15 decisions to advance ocean protection and a sustainable blue economy.

Anjouan Gambling Licences: Comoros is seeking UK help and weighing legal action against an offshore gambling network it says lacks authorisation. Nearly 1,500 businesses appear on the disputed licence register, putting its standing under scrutiny. Basketball: Ushundzi Basket of Comoros is among five clubs competing in the BAL East Division qualifiers in Uganda from October 21–25; the top two advance to the next stage. Black Sea Incident: The Comoros-flagged tanker Yara J, reportedly hit by a drone near Romania, reached port with all nine Indian crew members safe. Development Partnership: Comoros and the Islamic Development Bank discussed a new cooperation strategy aligned with the country’s 2026–30 development plans, and agreed to speed up ongoing projects. Ocean Protection: Comoros joined regional partners at the Nairobi Convention’s COP12, which adopted 15 decisions on protecting and sustainably developing the Western Indian Ocean.

Anjouan Gambling Dispute: Comoros is seeking UK help and weighing legal action over a gambling-licensing network it says lacks authorisation. Nearly 1,500 businesses appear on Anjouan’s public register, whose legitimacy the government disputes. Black Sea Shipping: The Comoros-flagged tanker Yara J, reportedly hit by a drone near Romania, reached port with all nine Indian crew safe. Basketball: Comorian club Ushundzi Basket is competing in qualifiers for the 2027 Basketball Africa League, hosted in Uganda through October 25. Development: Comoros and the Islamic Development Bank are preparing a new partnership strategy aligned with the country’s 2026–30 development plan, with both sides calling for faster project delivery. Ocean Governance: Comoros joined regional partners at the Nairobi Convention’s COP12, which adopted 15 decisions to advance protection and sustainable development in the Western Indian Ocean.

Anjouan Gambling Licences: Comoros is seeking British help and weighing legal action over a disputed offshore licensing network operating in Anjouan’s name. The government disputes the authority behind the licences and is working with international police and financial agencies; nearly 1,500 operators could be affected. Development Partnership: Comoros and the Islamic Development Bank agreed to shape their next partnership around the country’s 2026–2030 development strategy, with both sides calling for faster delivery of ongoing projects. Ocean Governance: Comoros joined nine other Western Indian Ocean nations at the Nairobi Convention’s COP12, which adopted 15 decisions to advance ocean protection and sustainable development. Tanker Safety: All nine Indian crew aboard the Comoros-flagged tanker Yara J were reported safe after a drone strike off Romania; the vessel reached Constanta.

Anjouan Gambling Dispute: Comoros is seeking UK help to investigate a gambling licensing network it says operates without authorization, and is preparing possible legal action. The dispute could affect nearly 1,500 businesses listed on Anjouan’s license register. Maritime Security: The Comoros-flagged tanker Yara J, reportedly hit by a drone near Romania, reached port with all nine Indian crew members safe. Development: Comoros and the Islamic Development Bank are shaping a new partnership strategy aligned with the country’s 2026–2030 development plan, with both sides calling for faster project delivery. Ocean Governance: Comoros joined nine other Western Indian Ocean states at COP12, where members adopted 15 decisions on ocean protection and sustainable development. Football: Nigeria beat Comoros 5–0 to advance in women’s Olympic qualifying; Comorian club Ushundzi Basket is set to compete in BAL qualifying in Uganda this week.

Ocean Protection: Comoros joined nine other Nairobi Convention members in adopting 15 decisions to protect the Western Indian Ocean, manage marine resources and advance a sustainable blue economy. The agreement came as the regional pact marked 40 years of cooperation. Anjouan: The island is pushing back against rogue online gambling operators using its name to sell unofficial licences, and is seeking Britain’s help, a report says. Shipping Safety: The Comoros-flagged tanker Yara J reached Romania’s Constanta port after a drone strike; all nine Indian crew members were reported safe. Development: Comoros and the Islamic Development Bank agreed to shape a new partnership strategy around the country’s 2026–2030 development plan and speed up ongoing projects. Basketball: Comoros’ Ushundzi Basket will compete in the BAL qualifying group in Uganda from October 21 to 25, with the top two teams advancing.

Maritime Safety: All nine Indian crew aboard the Comoros-flagged tanker Yara J are safe, and the vessel reached Romania’s Constanta port after a drone strike set it ablaze off the coast. Ocean Protection: Comoros joined nine other Nairobi Convention parties in adopting 15 decisions to strengthen marine protection and sustainable development across the Western Indian Ocean. Anjouan Governance: The island is seeking Britain’s help to counter mostly British operators accused of exploiting its name to sell unofficial online gambling licences. Development: Comoros and the Islamic Development Bank agreed to shape a new partnership strategy around the country’s 2026–30 development plan, with both sides urging faster delivery of ongoing projects.

Maritime Safety: The Comoros-flagged tanker YARA J, hit by a drone off Romania, reached Constanta on Saturday. All nine Indian crew members are safe. Development: Comoros and the Islamic Development Bank agreed to shape a new partnership around the country’s 2026–2030 development strategy and speed up ongoing projects. Women’s Football: Nigeria beat Comoros 5-0 to advance 7-0 on aggregate in Olympic qualifying; Nigeria captain Rasheedat Ajibade said she is recovering after an injury in the second leg. Business and Environment: A new trade law reserving small businesses such as groceries and street vending for citizens by descent has raised concern among Malagasy traders; it is not yet in force. Comoros also joined nine other countries in adopting regional measures to tackle ocean pollution and protect marine habitats. Basketball: Comorian club Ushundzi Basket will compete in BAL qualifiers in Uganda from October 21–25.

Comoros-Flagged Tanker: The Yara J reached Romania’s Port of Constanta after a drone strike earlier this week. All nine Indian seafarers reported aboard were safe. Development: Comoros and the Islamic Development Bank are shaping a new partnership strategy aligned with the country’s 2026–2030 development plan, with both sides calling for faster delivery of ongoing projects. Small Businesses: A new law reserving some small trades for citizens by descent has raised concern among Malagasy residents, whose livelihoods may be affected; no enforcement date has been set. Marine Protection: Comoros joined nine countries in adopting regional measures to tackle ocean pollution and protect coastal habitats, including mangroves and seagrass. Basketball: Comorian club Ushundzi Basket will compete in BAL qualifiers in Uganda from October 21, seeking a place in the next round.