AGP Executive Report

FIFA/CAF Politics: Gianni Infantino’s fight to stay FIFA president is getting louder, but African football leaders are still backing him after he scrapped a controversial plan to sell stakes in World Cup revenue; Reuters reports support from key figures including Morocco’s Fouzi Lekjaa and others, while CAF is set to discuss the abandoned “FIFA Forward Enterprise” idea at its executive meeting. CAF Club Football (Comoros link): In the CAF Champions League preliminary draw, Mighty Wanderers were paired with Tanzania’s Simba, and the winner will face either Angola’s De Agosto or Comoros’ Fomboni FC; CAF also set out routes for Tanzanian clubs, with Comoros’ teams still in the mix for second-round ties. Comoros in Global Recognition: UNESCO added new World Heritage sites, including “The Medinas of the Historic Sultanates of the Comoros,” highlighting Comoros’ historic towns on the world stage. Maritime Security (Comoros named): Saudi Arabia’s new multinational maritime defence coalition for the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandeb includes Comoros among founding members, as regional shipping risks remain high. Visa Access: Panama published a visa-free list that includes Comoros, giving Comorian passport holders easier entry for short stays.

Red Sea Security: Saudi Arabia has named a commander for a new multinational maritime defence coalition meant to protect shipping through the Bab al-Mandeb, the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, with Comoros listed among the founding signatories and a planning meeting set for Aug 12-13. Houthi Strikes Expand: Reports say Houthi attacks have reached deeper into Saudi coastal waters, including a tanker hit off Yanbu, while another incident near the Strait of Hormuz left a crew member missing. Comoros in the Spotlight (Aviation): Madagascar and Comoros have resumed flights after a four-year hiatus, a boost for regional travel and tourism. UNESCO Heritage: UNESCO added 25 new World Heritage sites, including the “Medinas of the Historic Sultanates of the Comoros,” marking a major cultural milestone for the islands. Football (CAF Draws): CAF Champions League preliminary matchups were released, with Comoros’ Fomboni potentially facing Simba in later rounds if they advance. Visa Rules: The US made a permanent visa bond programme for citizens of 30 African countries, while Comoros is not listed among those exempt.

UNESCO World Heritage: UNESCO has added the “Medinas of the Historic Sultanates of the Comoros” to the World Heritage List, marking a major win for Comoros’ cultural heritage and putting the islands on the global tourism map. CAF Football Draw: CAF’s preliminary round draw for the 2026/27 CAF Champions League set matchups for top clubs, with Zamalek, Esperance and Renaissance Berkane learning opponents as the first legs run from 4–6 September. Comoros in the Mix: In the Champions League preliminary path, Comoros’ Fomboni is listed as a possible opponent for Simba SC if they advance, keeping Comoros clubs in the continental spotlight. SADC Summit Watch: South Africa is set to host the 46th SADC summit in Durban on August 17, with Comoros among member states expected to discuss regional integration, infrastructure, and food security. Visa Access Update: The US visa bond rule now permanently applies to citizens of 30 African countries, while 24 are exempt—an important travel and business consideration for the region.

Comoros in UNESCO spotlight: The World Heritage Committee in Busan inscribed 25 new sites, including the Medinas of the Historic Sultanates of the Comoros—a cultural listing covering six centuries-old towns tied to urban life and trade networks. Comoros–Madagascar connectivity: Direct flights between Moroni and Madagascar have resumed after a four-year gap, with Madagascar Airlines set to fly the Antananarivo–Mahajanga–Moroni route twice weekly, boosting tourism and business links. CAF football buzz with a Comoros link: Former Zimbabwe star Edelbert Dinha backed champions Scottland for a strong CAF Champions League debut, with potential preliminary-round opponents including Aiglons FC (Comoros). FIFA politics, African backing: Leading African football administrators signaled support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino after he dropped a controversial plan to sell a stake in future World Cup revenue—an issue CAF is set to discuss. Indian Ocean Games tourism plan: A report says the 2027 Indian Ocean Island Games (JIOI) could reshape Comoros tourism, with a proposed accommodation village at Faouzia Vitry aimed at lasting commercial use after the Games.

UNESCO World Heritage: UNESCO has added 25 new sites to its World Heritage List, including the first-ever Comoros inscription: the “Medinas of the Historic Sultanates of the Comoros.” The total now stands at 1,273 sites across 173 countries. FIFA Politics in Africa: African football leaders are rallying behind FIFA President Gianni Infantino after he dropped a plan to sell a stake in future World Cup revenue, with CAF set to discuss the issue at its executive meeting. Comoros–Madagascar Flights: Comoros and Madagascar have resumed direct air services after a four-year gap, with flights expected to boost tourism, trade, and transport links. Visa Access Watch: Panama has published a visa-free list that includes Comoros among just nine African countries allowed entry without a visa for up to three months. Regional Security: Saudi Arabia and partners have launched a maritime defense coalition to protect key shipping lanes around the Bab el-Mandeb, Red Sea, and Gulf of Aden, with Comoros listed among signatories.

Visa Access: Panama says only nine African countries get visa-free entry, and the list includes Comoros—while many major states like Nigeria, Kenya and Ghana are left out. CAF & FIFA Politics: Leading African football administrators have backed FIFA president Gianni Infantino as he seeks re-election, welcoming his U-turn on a plan to sell a stake in future World Cup revenue; CAF’s executive committee is set to discuss the broader fallout. UNESCO Heritage: UNESCO inscribed 25 new World Heritage sites in Busan, including the first-ever World Heritage listing for Comoros: the Medinas of the Historic Sultanates of the Comoros. Air Links: Comoros and Madagascar have resumed direct flights after a four-year pause, with service expected to boost tourism and trade. Maritime Security: Saudi Arabia and 13 partners—including Comoros—announced a multinational maritime defense coalition to protect shipping through the Bab el-Mandeb, Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

CAF & FIFA Politics: Leading African football administrators have publicly backed FIFA President Gianni Infantino ahead of a CAF executive committee meeting, welcoming his decision to drop a controversial plan to sell a stake in future World Cup revenue, while noting the wider FIFA crisis and uncertainty over whether CAF will take a formal stance on his future. Comoros–Madagascar Air Links: Madagascar and the Comoros have resumed direct flights after a four-year hiatus, with Madagascar Airlines operating the Antananarivo–Mahajanga–Moroni route twice weekly, expected to boost tourism, trade, and people-to-people ties. UNESCO Heritage: UNESCO inscribed 25 new World Heritage sites in Busan, including the first-ever Comoros listing, as the World Heritage Committee session added 19 cultural, five natural, and one mixed property. Red Sea Security: Saudi Arabia and 13 partner countries announced a multinational maritime defense coalition to protect freedom of navigation through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, the Red Sea, and the Gulf of Aden, with the Comoros named among founding states. Global Mobility & Visas: Reports highlight how passport power and visa rules keep travel uneven, with renewed debate over potential tightening of Schengen access that could affect Africans living or visiting Europe.

Maritime Security in the Indian Ocean: Saudi Arabia and 13 partner countries, including Comoros, announced a multinational maritime defense coalition to protect freedom of navigation and trade routes through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, the Red Sea, and the Gulf of Aden. The alliance is described as purely defensive, with Saudi Arabia hosting the permanent headquarters and command structures, as attacks and blockades tied to the Red Sea crisis continue to disrupt shipping. Comoros–Madagascar Air Links: Direct flights between Madagascar and Comoros have resumed after a four-year pause, with Madagascar Airlines operating the Antananarivo–Mahajanga–Moroni route twice weekly, expected to boost tourism, business, and trade. UNESCO World Heritage Milestone: UNESCO added 25 new World Heritage sites at its Busan session, including the first-ever World Heritage inscription for Comoros—highlighting Medinas of the Historic Sultanates of the Comoros—as the list grows to 1,273 sites worldwide. Local Life: Moroni residents are also dealing with water shortages, with reports of people queuing at dawn as taps run dry.

UNESCO World Heritage: The 48th UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Busan added 25 new sites to the World Heritage List, including the first-ever Comoros inscription: Medinas of the Historic Sultanates of the Comoros. UNESCO says the new batch brings the total to 1,273 sites worldwide, with 19 cultural, 5 natural, and 1 mixed property. Air Links: Comoros and Madagascar have resumed direct flights after a four-year gap, with Madagascar Airlines operating the Antananarivo–Mahajanga–Moroni route twice a week, expected to boost tourism, trade, and people-to-people ties. Maritime Security: Saudi Arabia and 13 partner countries, including Comoros, announced a multinational maritime defense alliance to protect shipping through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, the Red Sea, and the Gulf of Aden, as regional tensions continue. Local Life: Moroni residents are also dealing with water shortages, with reports of people queuing at dawn as taps run dry.

UNESCO World Heritage Milestone: UNESCO’s 48th World Heritage Committee session in Busan added 25 new sites to the World Heritage List, bringing the total to 1,273—and Comoros secured its first-ever inscription, a major win for the Indian Ocean island nation. Regional Air Links: Madagascar and Comoros have resumed direct flights after a four-year pause, with Madagascar Airlines launching the Antananarivo–Mahajanga–Moroni route twice weekly to boost tourism, business and trade. Maritime Security in the Red Sea: Saudi Arabia and 13 partner countries announced a multinational maritime defense coalition to protect shipping through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, with Comoros listed among the founding states. Football Funding Debate: FIFA has moved to abort its takeover plans, while still backing reforms and increased support for struggling federations—Comoros’ football leadership pointed to how $20 million could drive lasting change. Visa and Mobility Pressure: New reporting highlights how passport strength and visa rules can sharply limit travel freedom, with Comoros facing high rejection rates for Schengen visas.

UNESCO World Heritage Milestone (Comoros): Comoros has scored its first-ever UNESCO World Heritage inscription at the 48th World Heritage Committee session in Busan, South Korea, as part of 25 new sites added worldwide (19 cultural, 5 natural, 1 mixed), bringing the total to 1,273; UNESCO also placed six sites on the World Heritage in Danger list and used an emergency procedure for three conflict-hit properties. Direct Air Links Restored (Moroni/Comoros): Madagascar and Comoros have resumed direct flights after a four-year hiatus, with Madagascar Airlines launching the Antananarivo–Mahajanga–Moroni route twice weekly (Thursdays and Sundays), expected to boost tourism, business, and trade. Regional Security (Bab al-Mandeb): Saudi Arabia and 13 partner countries—including Comoros—announced a multinational maritime defense coalition to protect freedom of navigation and shipping through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, the Red Sea, and the Gulf of Aden, amid ongoing Houthi-related disruptions. Mobility Pressure (Schengen debate): A growing European push to restrict Schengen free movement could affect non-EU residents across Europe, including many Africans with long-term status.

Maritime Security: Saudi Arabia and 13 partner countries—including Comoros—announced a multinational maritime defense alliance to protect freedom of navigation through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, the Red Sea, and the Gulf of Aden, after Houthi attacks and wider regional tensions. Air Links: Comoros and Madagascar have resumed direct flights after a four-year pause, with Madagascar Airlines operating the Antananarivo–Mahajanga–Moroni route twice weekly to boost tourism, business, and trade. UNESCO Milestone: UNESCO added 25 new World Heritage sites at its Busan session, including a historic first for Comoros—with the country’s medinas recognized as living heritage towns. Local Life: Reports highlight Moroni residents struggling with water shortages, including people “queuing at dawn” as taps run dry. Regional Development: The African Development Fund approved a $3.48m industrialization grant covering Comoros and four other countries to support AfCFTA implementation and climate- and gender-aware policy work.

Indian Ocean Air Links: Comoros and Madagascar have resumed direct flights after a four-year gap, with Madagascar Airlines launching the Antananarivo–Mahajanga–Moroni route twice a week (Thursdays and Sundays), expected to boost tourism, business and trade. Red Sea Security: Saudi Arabia and 13 partner countries—including Comoros—announced a multinational maritime defense coalition to protect freedom of navigation through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, with Saudi Arabia hosting the permanent headquarters; the Houthis meanwhile claim they forced Saudi oil tankers to reroute. UNESCO Heritage: UNESCO added 25 new World Heritage sites at its Busan session, including Comoros’ first-ever inscription, as well as new listings across Africa and beyond. Mobility Watch: A new Passport Index update says Kenyan passport holders can access 77 destinations visa-free or on arrival, highlighting shifting travel access across the region.

World Cup Politics: FIFA’s Infantino faces a potential boycott as only 75 countries would play if UEFA, CONCACAF and AFC follow through, while Maritime Security: Saudi Arabia leads a new 14-nation defense alliance for the Bab el-Mandeb/Red Sea/Gulf of Aden with Comoros among founding states, aiming to protect shipping and trade; UNESCO Milestone for Comoros: UNESCO inscribed 25 new World Heritage sites in Busan, including six ancient Comoros medinas—a first for Comoros—alongside first-time entries for South Sudan and São Tomé and Príncipe; Comoros–Madagascar Connectivity: Madagascar and Comoros restored direct air links after a four-year gap, with flights twice a week to boost travel and tourism; Local Life: Moroni residents continue to struggle amid water shortages, with reports of people queuing at dawn as taps run dry.

Maritime Security: Saudi Arabia and 13 partner nations have launched a multinational maritime defense alliance to protect shipping through the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, with Riyadh as the founding lead and headquarters host; the group says it is strictly defensive and open to other countries, including the Comoros. Oil Markets: Oil prices eased after the coalition announcement, as Red Sea supply worries calmed. Comoros Connectivity: Madagascar and the Comoros have restored direct air links after a four-year gap, with flights resuming twice weekly between Antananarivo, Mahajanga and Moroni. UNESCO Spotlight: UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee in Busan added 25 new sites worldwide, including historic medinas in the Comoros, marking the country’s first-ever inscription. Trade Policy Support: The African Development Fund approved a $3.48m grant to strengthen industrial and trade policy frameworks in Cameroon, Chad, Comoros, Madagascar and Togo. Legal/Shipping Risks: A Singapore case charges a company and director over alleged flag registration services for a UN-blacklisted ship linked to North Korea sanctions.

Comoros–Madagascar Air Links: Madagascar Airlines has restored direct flights to Moroni after a four-year pause, with an ATR 72 running the Antananarivo–Mahajanga–Moroni route twice weekly (Thursdays and Sundays), a move tied to President Azali Assoumani’s June visit and expected to boost travel, trade and tourism. UNESCO World Heritage Milestone: UNESCO’s 48th World Heritage Committee in Busan inscribed 25 new sites worldwide, bringing the total to 1,273; crucially for the islands, Comoros secured its first-ever World Heritage listing, alongside São Tomé and Príncipe and South Sudan, while the session also added 25 sites and expanded protections for threatened places. Regional Development Funding: The African Development Fund approved a $3.48m grant to strengthen industrial and trade policy frameworks in five countries including Comoros, supporting AfCFTA implementation and climate- and gender-aware policy work. Maritime Security Watch: Saudi Arabia and 13 supporting states backed a multinational maritime defense alliance for the Bab al-Mandab/Red Sea/Gulf of Aden corridor, with the Comoros named among the supporters.