Comoros President Azali Assoumani has clarified his earlier statement about placing his son Nour El Fath in a position of power, saying he did not mean to imply that his son would succeed him as president.
According to the president’s office, Assoumani’s statement was misinterpreted, and he was simply referring to a “child” succeeding him, which is a common way to refer to citizens in Comoros.
The clarification comes after Assoumani’s initial statement sparked speculation about his plans for succession.
However, the president’s office emphasized that Assoumani had previously rejected the idea of “family succession” and that his successor would have to come from Anjouan, one of Comoros’ three main islands, in accordance with the country’s constitution.
Assoumani has been in power since 1999 and has won four elections, including the latest one in 2022, which was marred by opposition claims of irregularities.
His ruling party recently won parliamentary elections, but the opposition rejected the results, alleging fraud.
