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Comoros Islands: Information on what citizenship legislation and on what citizenship/nationality passport people of Comoros Islands have had since these islands became independent of France in 1975, and on the present citizenship of those born prior to 1975

The Comoros Islands are comprised of four main islands: Njazidja, Nzwani, Mwali (formerly Grande-Comore, Anjouan and Mohéli respectively) and Mayotte or Mahoré (Europa 1994 1994, 833).

The vote on independence from France was held on 6 July 1975. France recognized officially the three islands of Njazidja, Nzwani and Mwali in December 1975, but all relations between France and the Comoros were effectively suspended (ibid.). According to Europa 1994, "in February 1976 the island of Mayotte voted overwhelmingly to retain its links to France" (ibid.).

According to a representative of the Islamic Federal Republic of Comoros in New York City, "strictly speaking, Comoran nationality did not exist prior to 1975" (6 June 1995). The representative stated that Comoran people were considered French citizens of Comoran origin before independence (ibid.).

The representative reported that citizens living on the islands of Njazidja, Nzwani and Mwali who decided to keep their French citizenship after independence have dual citizenship and the right to both Comoran and French passports. Those living on these islands but who renounced their French citizenship have a Comoran passport (ibid).

The situation of Mayotte is particular, according to the representative. Mayotte's citizens only have French nationality and only carry the French passport (ibid.).

According to the Europa World Year Book 1994,

since the Comoros unilaterally declared independence in July 1975, Mayotte has been administered separately by France. The independent Comoran state claims sovereignty of Mayotte, and officially represents it in international organizations, including the UN. In December 1976, France introduced the special status of "Collectivité Territoriale" for the island. After the coup in May 1978, Mayotte reaffirmed its intention of remaining linked to France (1189).

For detailed information on the islands' current status, please consult the attached documents.

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.

References

Embassy of the Islamic Federal Republic of the Comoros, New York, NY. 6 June 1995. Telephone interview with a representative.

The Europa World Year Book 1994. 1994. 34th ed. Vol. 1. London: Europa Publications.

Attachment

The Europa World Year Book 1994. 1994. 34th ed. Vol. 1. London: Europa Publications, pp. 833-836, 1189-1191.

Additional Sources Consulted

Africa Confidential [London]. Weekly.

Africa Contemporary Record: Annual Survey and Documents. Yearly. Edited by Colin Legum and Marion E. Doro. New York: Africana Publishing Company.

Africa Research Bulletin: Political Series [London]. Monthly.

Blaustein, Albert P. February 1994. "Federal Islamic Republic of the Comoros," Constitutions of the Countries of the World. Edited by Albert P. Blaustein and Gisbert H. Flanz. Dobbs Ferry, NY: Oceana Publications.

Documentation-Réfugiés [Paris]. Weekly.

Immigration and Nationality: Law and Practice [London]. Quarterly. Tolley Publishing Company.

Indian Ocean Newsletter [Paris]. Weekly.

Passports Handbook. 1987 [with current amendments]. Utrecht: Kluwerpers.

Political Handbook of the World. Yearly.

Relevant laws on citizenship.

Oral sources.