Anjouan: AU troops in the capital, Mutsamudu (Comoros)

AFP via translation | March 25, 2008

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MUTSAMUDU (Comoros) - Tanzanian troops mandated by the African Union (AU) entered Tuesday morning in the capital of Comorian island of Anjouan Mutsamudu, as part of the operation to overthrow the president of the island Mohamed Bacar , witnesses reported to the AFP.

Tanzanian soldiers were visible in the city centre where they have not encountered any resistance from forces loyal to the authorities of Anjouan deemed illegal by the federal government and the AU.

The arrival of soldiers from the AU has been greeted with cries of joy inhabitants of Mutsamudu, the witnesses said.

The "Democracy in the Comoros" to oust Colonel Bacar began Tuesday at dawn.

Fighting with heavy weapons on Tuesday morning opposed the forces of President of Anjouan to African Union troops in the town of Ouani, which houses the presidency and the airport of the island.

The Government of the Union of the Comoros has decided to launch an operation to hunt the power Colonel Bacar, president of Anjouan since 2002, but he did not recognize the election in June 2007.

The AU, which has not recognized the poll in Anjouan, has decided to support the Union of the Comoros.

More than 1,000 Tanzanian soldiers and Sudanese should support about 400 soldiers of the AND as part of this amphibious operation.

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Reuters - Comoros says its troops have taken Anjouan capital