I Comoros unveils its list of international "Extremist organizations"

The Ministry of the Interior in the Union of Comoros has released a list of 69 organizations, structures, and movements that are considered "Extremist organizations" and are now prohibited on national territory. This action is in line with the country's efforts to combat terrorism, its financing, and money laundering. The decree signed by Interior Minister Fakridine Mahamoud on February 9 states that physical and moral organizations that act either on the orders of or in concert with these movements' goals and means are also prohibited.

The list includes organizations such as the Islamic State group, the international organization of the Muslim Brotherhood, Al-Qaida, Boko Haram, and movements affiliated with Shiite networks such as the Houthi in Yemen and all the structures linked to the Hezbollah movement that operate in Gulf countries. The entities have taken up residence in the Middle East and have strong networks and branches in Africa, Europe, certain Asian countries, and even in the Gulf of Aden near the Indian Ocean zone.

The Comoros is sending a strong message by taking these measures to fight against terrorism in all its forms and attacking all structures that finance criminal activities. A workshop was organized recently in Moroni by the Minister of the Interior to reflect on the rapid application of the law relating to the fight against terrorism and money laundering.

The decree provides for a possible confiscation of property and patrimonial values and a ban on any recruitment of followers and the provision of human, material, and financial resources or the organization of propaganda action in their favor or the undertaking of their activity in any way. The targeted entities are suspected of supporting and supplying Extremist groups operating in the Mozambique Channel in Cabo Delgado.

The Comoros is complying with international commitments to combat terrorism and is aligning itself with the directives of regional and international organizations, such as the African Union and the United Nations, who are militating against the illicit activities of these Extremist groups and organizations. The country is sending a message to these structures and those who encourage them that there will be no tolerance in the event of reporting or discovery of suspicious activities in the Comoros.

It is necessary to prevent young people from becoming hostages to extremists of all kinds, who threaten the peace and stability of countries, through their Extremist actions. While there is no confirmation of direct or indirect links between the banned organizations and Extremist groups in Comoros, the country is taking a proactive stance to ensure that its citizens remain safe and secure from the threats posed by these entities.