The Comoros Declares Independence from France on July 6, 1975

• The Comoros declared independence from France on July 6, 1975.
• Diego Ribero first claimed The Comoros in 1505, a starting point for colonization.
• The islands were a French territory before gaining autonomy in 1961.
• A 1974 referendum revealed that Moheli, Anjouan, and Grande Comoros had wanted independence.
• Mayotte voted to remain a French territory, complicating independence efforts.

The Road to Independence for The Comoros

The Comoros declared their independence from French colonial rule on July 6, 1975. This historic day marked a significant turning point for the islands, which have a long and complicated history with colonial powers. The declaration was the culmination of a series of political events that began with the islands’ initial colonization in the 19th century.

Colonial History and Political Changes

The Comoros, first claimed by Diego Ribero in 1505, became a French colony starting in 1843 when the military took control of Mayotte Island. The French went on to colonize Grande Comoros, Anjouan, and Mohéli in 1886, thereby solidifying their control over the archipelago. However, after World War II, the challenges of maintaining overseas colonies arose, prompting the reclassification of the islands as an overseas territory and reducing French financial obligations.

Post-Independence Struggles and Ongoing Complications

By granting internal autonomy in 1961, France attempted to appease the Comorians, but tensions remained high. A referendum in December 1974 revealed a clear desire for independence of the islands, except for Mayotte, which opted to stay under French control. On July 6, 1975, the Comoros parliament declared independence for all islands, including Mayotte, and Ahmed Abdallah was named president. However, this resolution faced immediate challenges, and due to French intervention, Mayotte maintained its status as a French overseas province, leaving a lasting impact on the region’s political landscape.

The declaration of independence by The Comoros in 1975 was a pivotal event shaped by a history of colonialism. The islands faced a complex relationship with both France and one of its islands, Mayotte, which chose to remain under French governance. The struggle for true autonomy continues to influence the politics and identity of The Comoros today.