Geneva, In the wake of escalating tensions and protests following the presidential election in Comoros, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has urged the authorities to protect the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. He also called for restraint from all parties involved.

According to Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the situation in Comoros intensified with hundreds of young demonstrators protesting in the capital, Moroni. The security forces responded with tear gas to disperse the crowds. The High Commissioner emphasized the importance of maintaining a safe environment where Comorians, including political opposition members, can freely express their views and exercise their rights without fear of repression.

Türk also addressed the demonstrators, urging them to avoid violence. This appeal comes after incidents of pillaging in Moroni and arson attacks on public buildings in the islands of Moheli and Anjouan on the election day. While condemning the deliberate damage to public infrastructure, Türk stressed the necessity for authorities to ensure that peaceful protests can proceed safely and freely.

Reports of arrests and the use of tear gas against peaceful protesters, including an incident involving women marching in Moheli, have raised concerns. The High Commissioner voiced his unease over these developments, noting that the recent presidential election was marked by a restricted civic and democratic space, arbitrary detentions, and allegations of enforced disappearances.

The High Commissioner called on the Government of Comoros to create conditions conducive to dialogue, democracy, and pluralism. He stressed the need for the government to end any human rights violations and to release political prisoners detained arbitrarily. Türk also emphasized the importance of conducting thorough investigations into civil and political rights violations during the pre-electoral period and bringing the perpetrators to justice.

In his closing remarks, Türk highlighted the long-standing issues of repression and lack of pluralism in Comoros. He underscored the necessity of beginning a new chapter based on pluralism, freedom of expression, justice, and accountability to fulfill the democratic aspirations of the Comorian people.