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Comoros Official Says Government in Control Following Army Assassination

   Peter Clottey 02 September 2010

   The  director  of  the  cabinet  of  Comoros  Islands  President Ahmed
   Abdallah  Mohamed  Sambi  said  the  government  is  in  firm  control
   following  the  removal  of  the  head  of  the military, suspected of
   involvement in the assassination of the armyâs chief of staff. 

   Ahmed Ben Said Gaffar said, despite concerns expressed by Comorians as
   well  as  the international community, the general elections scheduled
   for  November  will  be  held  according  to the agreement signed with
   opposition groups.

   âThe  Justice  Ministry is working on this matter and some information
   we  got  (suggests)  that  three  persons  from  the  army  have  been
   implicated,â he said.

   Opposition  groups  have  criticized  President Sambiâs government for
   creating tensions ahead of Novemberâs vote by removing the head of the
   military,   General   Salimou   Mohammed   Amiri.  He  is  accused  of
   assassinating  Commander  Combo  Ayouba, the armyâs chief of staff, in
   June, a charge he denies.

   Cabinet  director  Gaffer  said  President Sambiâs administration will
   continue with its mandate to protect Comorians.

   âEvery  time  we  have  problems in the army, it is normal that people
   will  be  uncomfortable. But, I can assure you that since (Wednesday),
   the  situation  is  under control and the (army general) has agreed to
   (cooperate  with)  the  Justice  Ministry,  so  there  is  no problem,
   really,â Gaffer said.

   He  further said President Sambi wants the judiciary to be independent
   and devoid of any official interference.

   âHe (Mr. Sambi) has said that, for this assassination, let the Justice
   Ministry  do  its  work. And, since that time, the investigations have
   been  going  on  very  well.  So, for these last two days, the Justice
   Ministry decided to hear from the general. So, we will now let justice
   do its work.â

   Comorians  have  expressed  concern that tension within the army could
   destabilize  the  country.  But,  cabinet  director  Gaffar  said  the
   administration  will continue to work with its international partners,
   as  well  as  various  opposition  groups,  to  ensure  the  countryâs
   stability ahead of the November vote.

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