Uncertainty surrounded sudden troop movements around public buildings in Moroni, capital of the Comoros islands on Friday. AFP reported that the main public buildings, including the finance and education ministries, were surrounded and soldiers were posted at the customs headquarters and at Moroni's port. The report said security has also been stepped up around the national radio building and government workers have been asked to leave their offices. Around the port area, dock workers had gathered to protest. Otherwise the islands were calm. Two weeks ago newly elected President Azali Assoumani formed a new government for the Union of Comoros as part of a devolution process. On Thursday, the regional president of Grande Comoros island, Abdou Soule Elbak, replaced key people in government who appeared to be loyal to Assoumani, AP said. Elbak beat the island's former governor and Azali's chosen candidate, Bakari Abdallah Boina, with 63 percent of a second round ballot. Since his swearing in he has complained that Assoumani's union government was eroding his authority. In an interview with AFP on Friday, Elbak said his government was still united and "would not respond to provocation." Comoros has a new political system where the islands Grande Comore, Anjouan and Moheli govern most of their own affairs with their own presidents. Overall president Assoumani's union government controls defence, foreign affairs and currency. The Comoros has been rocked by coup attempts since independence from France in 1975. Assoumani himself originally rose to power through a coup before stepping down to qualify for participation in the last election.
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