AGP Executive Report

Development Partnership: Comoros and the Islamic Development Bank are shaping a new cooperation strategy aligned with the country’s 2026–2030 development plan. Both sides called for faster delivery of ongoing projects and discussed expanding support through the bank’s trade-finance arm. Black Sea Incident: Romanian authorities are investigating a possible drone strike on the Comoros-flagged tanker Yara J after a fire broke out in its territorial waters on Wednesday. The crew extinguished the blaze and were reported safe; a separate ship caught fire nearby the next day, leaving eight crew members missing. Small Businesses: A new law reserving several small-trade activities for citizens by descent has unsettled Malagasy traders in Comoros. It is not yet in force, and no start date has been announced. Football: Nigeria beat Comoros 5–0 in the women’s Olympic qualifier, advancing 7–0 on aggregate to face Morocco in the next round. Marine Protection: Comoros joined nine other countries in backing regional measures against ocean pollution and to protect mangroves, seagrass and marine habitats.

Black Sea Shipping: Romania is searching for eight missing crew after the San Marino-flagged Wide Trader caught fire on Thursday. A day earlier, the crew of Comoros-flagged Yara J put out a fire on their own; Romanian authorities are investigating a possible drone attack but have not confirmed a cause. Women’s Football: Comoros lost 5-0 to Nigeria in the Olympic qualifier, exiting 7-0 on aggregate. Nigeria advances to face Morocco. Small Business Law: A new law reserves activities such as street vending, hairdressing and small catering for citizens by descent. It is not yet in force, but Malagasy traders in Comoros fear losing their livelihoods. Marine Protection: Comoros joined nine other countries in adopting regional measures on plastic pollution, marine emergency response and protection of mangroves, seagrass and critical habitats. Social Policy: Comoros took part in Arab League talks on poverty reduction, disability rights and social protection.

Olympic Qualifier: Nigeria’s Super Falcons beat Comoros 5-0, advancing 7-0 on aggregate to the next round of the 2028 Olympic qualifiers. They will face Morocco next year. Travel Restrictions: Israel’s new rules bar airline crew holding Comorian citizenship, including dual nationals, from flights to or from the country. The restriction applies to crew assignments, not passengers. Marine Protection: Comoros joined regional partners in adopting measures to curb plastic pollution, prepare for marine spills and protect seagrass, mangroves and key habitats in the western Indian Ocean. Small Business Law: A law reserving activities such as grocery shops, street vending and hairdressing for citizens by descent has not yet taken effect, but is causing concern among Malagasy traders, many of whom rely on these businesses. Shipping Watch: The United States added the Comoros-flagged tanker Paritosh to sanctions targeting vessels it says transport Iranian oil.

Olympic Qualifier: Nigeria beat Comoros 5-0 in the return leg, advancing 7-0 on aggregate to face Morocco in the next round of the women’s 2028 Olympic qualifiers. Flight Restrictions: Israel’s new rules bar airline crew with citizenship from Comoros and other countries without diplomatic ties from working flights to Israel; they do not restrict passengers. Small Businesses: A Comorian law reserving activities such as street vending, hairdressing and small catering for citizens by descent has not yet taken effect, but Malagasy traders fear losing livelihoods. Marine Protection: Comoros joined nine other countries in adopting regional measures against ocean pollution and to protect mangroves, seagrass and marine habitats. Social Policy: Comorian representatives took part in Arab League talks on poverty, disability rights and social protection.

Aviation Restrictions: Comorian citizens are among those affected by Israel’s new rules barring airline crew from countries without diplomatic ties from working flights to Israel. The measure applies to crew assignments, not passengers. Olympic Qualifier: Nigeria’s Super Falcons aim to finish their qualifying tie against Comoros, holding a two-goal advantage. Coach Augustine Eguavoen says he may rotate players but is focused on a win. Small-Business Law: A new Comorian law reserving activities such as street vending, grocery shops and hairdressing for citizens by descent has unsettled Malagasy traders. It has not yet been implemented, and no start date has been announced. Environment: Comoros joined nine other countries in adopting regional steps to tackle ocean plastic pollution and protect mangroves, seagrass and marine habitats. Free Speech: Travel creator Davud Akhundzada says he has been barred from returning to Comoros after posting footage of the country’s waste crisis; he alleges the president ordered the ban.

Aviation Restrictions: Comorian nationals, including dual nationals, are among crew barred from assignments on flights to or from Israel under rules effective October 8. The measure applies to airline staff, not passengers. Small Business Law: A new trade law reserves street vending, grocery shops, hairdressing and other small businesses for citizens by descent. It has not yet taken effect, but Malagasy traders in the Comoros fear losing their livelihoods. Waste and Accountability: A travel creator says he was barred from returning to the Comoros after posting footage of the country’s trash crisis; the claim has drawn attention to waste management and official responses to criticism. Marine Protection: The Comoros joined nine other countries in backing regional steps to tackle plastic pollution, prepare for marine emergencies and protect mangroves, seagrass and critical habitats in the western Indian Ocean. Regional Cooperation: South Korea and the Indian Ocean Commission, which includes the Comoros, signed an agreement to support projects on maritime security, climate change, fisheries and food security.

Aviation Restrictions: New Israeli rules bar airline crew who hold Comorian nationality from flights entering Israeli airspace, even if they also hold another nationality. The measure applies to crew assignments, not passengers. Marine Protection: Comoros joined nine other countries in adopting regional steps to fight plastic pollution, prepare for marine emergencies and protect habitats across the western Indian Ocean. Small-Business Law: A law reserving street vending, groceries and other small trades for citizens by descent has alarmed Malagasy residents, many of whom depend on those jobs. It has not yet taken effect. Trash-Crisis Video: YouTuber Davud Akhundzada says Comoros’ president ordered him barred from the country after he published footage about waste management; the allegation has not been independently confirmed.

Small-business Law: A Comorian law reserving street vending, grocery shops, hairdressing and other small businesses for citizens by birth has alarmed Malagasy traders, many of whom rely on these livelihoods. The law is not yet in force; around 20,000 Malagasy people live in the Comoros. Environmental Debate: YouTuber Davud Akhundzada says Comoros barred him from returning after he posted footage of the country’s trash crisis. The reported move has drawn attention to waste management and criticism of the government’s response. Marine Protection: Western Indian Ocean countries agreed on regional plans to tackle plastic pollution and protect seagrass, mangroves and critical habitats at the Nairobi Convention’s COP12. Comoros is also among the island states covered by a new Korea–Indian Ocean Commission cooperation framework on maritime security, climate response, fisheries and food security.

Small-business Law: A Comorian law reserving grocery shops, street vending, hairdressing, sewing, beauty salons and small catering for citizens by descent has alarmed the Malagasy community. It is not yet in force, but around 20,000 Malagasy residents fear losing their livelihoods; no start date has been announced. Trash-Crisis Fallout: YouTuber Davud Akhundzada says Comoros barred him from returning after he published footage of the country’s waste problem. The ban has been reported as an allegation. Marine Conservation: Nairobi Convention members agreed on regional action to tackle plastic pollution and protect seagrass, mangroves and critical habitats—issues central to the Western Indian Ocean, including Comoros. South Korea also signed a cooperation fund agreement with the Indian Ocean Commission, which includes Comoros, covering maritime security, climate response, fisheries and food security. Shipping Sanctions: The United States named Comoros-flagged tanker Paritosh in a new sanctions round targeting vessels accused of transporting Iranian oil.

Maritime Sanctions: The U.S. sanctioned the Comoros-flagged tanker Paritosh over alleged Iranian oil trade. Separately, U.S. forces boarded the Comoros-flagged freighter Grace, which Washington said was carrying fuel to Cuba, and escorted it to Mexico. Government and Environment: A YouTuber says Comoros barred him after he posted footage of the country’s waste crisis; the president’s alleged role has not been independently confirmed. A new law reserving some small-scale trading jobs for Comorians has also alarmed Malagasy workers, though it is not yet being enforced. Regional Cooperation: Comorian maritime professionals joined a regional search-and-rescue training programme in Madagascar, while new Korea–Indian Ocean Commission cooperation is set to support maritime security, climate action and fisheries. Research also warns that climate change could shrink sperm whale habitat in the southwest Indian Ocean.

Government and Environment: Comoros’ president allegedly barred YouTuber Davud Akhundzada after he posted a video about the country’s rubbish crisis, raising questions about the response to environmental criticism. Livelihoods: A new law reserving some small-scale trade for Comorians by birth has alarmed Malagasy residents, many of them women who rely on market work to support families; the law is not yet being enforced. Maritime Security: Comorian personnel joined regional search-and-rescue training in Madagascar. A new South Korea–Indian Ocean Commission fund will support maritime security, climate response, fisheries and food security. Ocean Conservation: Research suggests climate change could shrink sperm-whale habitat in the southwest Indian Ocean, strengthening calls for flexible protection and regional cooperation. Shipping: The US has sanctioned the Comoros-flagged tanker Paritosh over alleged Iranian oil trading and seized the Comoros-flagged Grace, which it says was carrying hidden fuel toward Cuba. The legality of the Grace boarding in international waters has been questioned.

Maritime Scrutiny: A Comoros-flagged freighter, the Grace, was boarded by the US Coast Guard in international waters in early September and escorted to Mexico, where authorities reported finding fuel in its ballast tanks. The legal basis for the boarding remains unanswered. Separately, Comoros-registered vessels were among those named in new US sanctions targeting Iran’s oil trade. Jobs and Livelihoods: A law reserving some small-scale commercial work for Comorians has alarmed Malagasy migrants, many of them women traders who support families back home. Environment and Governance: A YouTuber says Comoros barred him after he published footage of the country’s waste crisis; the claim has drawn attention to environmental conditions and the government’s response to criticism. Regional Cooperation: Comorian maritime professionals joined a regional search-and-rescue training programme in Madagascar, while a new Korea–Indian Ocean Commission fund will support work on maritime security, climate response, fisheries and food security. Travel: Comorian passport holders are eligible for up to 30 days of visa-free entry to the Philippines, subject to passport and onward-ticket requirements.

Maritime Cooperation: South Korea and the Indian Ocean Commission have agreed on a new cooperation fund covering maritime security, climate response, fisheries and food security. Comoros is one of the IOC’s four African island members. Jobs and Livelihoods: A law reserving some small-scale commercial work for Comorians by birth has alarmed Malagasy residents, many of them women traders. It is not yet being enforced, but could threaten the livelihoods of thousands. Environment and Accountability: A YouTuber says Comoros barred him after he posted footage of the country’s trash crisis; the claim has drawn fresh attention to waste management and the government’s response to criticism. Regional Safety: Comorian maritime professionals joined search-and-rescue training in Madagascar with participants from seven other countries. Shipping Sanctions: The U.S. included vessels registered in Comoros among those targeted in its latest Iran-related sanctions. The designations concern ships and their operators, not an allegation of government involvement.

Regional Cooperation: South Korea and the Indian Ocean Commission have agreed on a cooperation fund for maritime security, climate action, fisheries and food security. Comoros is one of the IOC’s member states. Football: Nigerian football officials say withdrawals from the Super Falcons squad will not weaken the team ahead of its matches against Comoros. Environment and Governance: YouTuber Davud Akhundzada says Comoros’ president ordered him barred from the country after he posted footage of the islands’ trash crisis; the claim has not been independently verified. Jobs and Livelihoods: A new law reserving some small-scale commercial work for Comorians by birth has alarmed Malagasy residents, many of whom rely on trading for their income. The law, published in July, is not yet being enforced. Maritime Safety: Comorian professionals joined a regional search-and-rescue training programme in Madagascar with participants from eight countries.

Water Crisis: Residents in Moroni face worsening shortages, relying on long trips, queues and costly private sellers as the ageing network fails. Many say speaking out brings little hope of change. Waste and Accountability: A YouTuber says Comoros barred him after he posted footage of the country’s trash crisis; the claim that President Azali Assoumani ordered the ban has not been independently confirmed. Jobs and Livelihoods: A new law reserving some small-scale commercial work for Comorians has alarmed Malagasy residents, many of them women traders. It is not yet being enforced, but could put livelihoods and remittances at risk. Regional Cooperation: Comoros joined Indian Ocean maritime search-and-rescue training in Madagascar, while a new Korea–Indian Ocean Commission agreement targets maritime security, climate response, fisheries and food security. Women’s Football: Nigeria’s Super Falcons say player withdrawals will not weaken their squad ahead of two matches against Comoros.

Football: Nigeria’s Super Falcons coach says withdrawals by Asisat Oshoala, Ashley Plumptre and Oluwatosin Demehin will not weaken the squad for its two matches against Comoros. Waste and Press Freedom: A YouTuber says Comoros authorities barred him from returning after he published footage of the country’s trash crisis; the reported presidential order has not been independently confirmed. Jobs and Migration: A law reserving some small-scale trading for Comorians by birth has alarmed Malagasy migrants, many of them women supporting families back home. It has not yet been enforced. Water Access: Moroni residents report worsening shortages, with many relying on costly private sellers and long trips to find water. A 2023 survey found three-quarters of residents collecting water take more than 30 minutes to reach a source. Regional Cooperation: Comorian maritime professionals joined a regional search-and-rescue training programme in Madagascar, while a new Korea–Indian Ocean Commission fund is set to support maritime security, fisheries and food security projects.