AGP Executive Report

Visa Crackdown on Illegal Fishing: Kenya and the U.S. agreed at OOC11 in Mombasa to impose visa restrictions on people linked to illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, with a Ksh 12.4 billion maritime security package aimed at protecting marine resources; Comoros is among the countries named as potentially affected. Media & Migration: Journalists’ leaders from Comoros and nine other Eastern African countries backed the Mombasa Statement, pledging ethical, fact-based reporting on migration and labour mobility to push back against misinformation and trafficking. Football—AFCON 2027: Claude Le Roy, 78, was appointed coach of the Republic of Congo with a brief to qualify for AFCON 2027; his qualifying group includes Comoros. Internet Costs: New pricing data ranks Comoros among the world’s most expensive fixed broadband markets in 2026, highlighting the burden of infrastructure and limited competition. Sports Betting: A regional piece flags rapid growth in Africa’s betting market alongside concerns over consumer protection and responsible gambling.

Migration & Media: Journalists’ leaders from Comoros and nine other Eastern African countries backed the “Mombasa Statement” to push ethical, fact-based reporting on migration and labour mobility, warning against misinformation and unsafe journeys. Connectivity Costs: A new pricing survey puts Comoros among the world’s most expensive fixed broadband markets, with average monthly costs around $175—highlighting how island geography and limited competition can drive prices up. Diplomacy: Azerbaijan’s foreign and finance ministers met Comoros officials to discuss strengthening ties in international forums and expanding South-South cooperation, including ahead of an OIC summit in 2027. Regional Security: Comoros joined a broad joint condemnation of a drone attack targeting electrical infrastructure outside the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the UAE, calling it a violation of international law. Sports Spotlight: Comoros international Myziane Maolida is linked with a summer move after leaving Saudi Pro League side Al Kholood, while Ghana’s World Cup opener vs Panama is set without Thomas Partey.

World Cup Focus: Former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong urged Ghana’s fans to back the Black Stars ahead of their Group L clash with England after Ghana’s dramatic 1-0 win over Panama, with Caleb Yirenkyo scoring in stoppage time. Internet Costs in the Indian Ocean: New global pricing data flags Comoros as having the world’s 2026 “most expensive” fixed broadband among island markets, with average monthly costs around $175—highlighting how geography and limited competition keep prices high. Diplomacy (Comoros-Azerbaijan): Azerbaijan’s foreign minister met Comoros’ finance minister to discuss strengthening ties, including cooperation in international organizations and plans around the OIC Summit in 2027. Regional Security: A wide coalition including Comoros condemned a drone attack on the UAE’s Barakah nuclear plant, calling it a serious breach of international law. Indian Ocean Cooperation: Seychelles and other Vanilla Islands partners pushed for stronger tourism links and connectivity, with Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius and Seychelles at the table.

Comoros–Azerbaijan Diplomacy: Azerbaijan’s foreign minister met Moussa Abderemane, Comoros’ finance minister, to discuss strengthening ties, cooperation in international bodies, and plans for wider South-South collaboration ahead of an OIC summit in 2027. Indian Ocean Regional Cooperation: The EU and Indian Ocean states including Comoros have concluded negotiations on a trade deal that goes beyond goods to cover services and investment, with a focus on making it easier for EU firms to operate across the region. Tourism & Connectivity: Seychelles used the Vanilla Islands General Assembly and ITM 2026 in Madagascar to push deeper Indian Ocean tourism cooperation, with Comoros among the island partners. Health Alert for the Region: Chikungunya remains a concern across the Indian Ocean, with Mauritius added to the CDC’s active travel notice list—an update that echoes the wider outbreak history that also involved the Comoros. Sports Spotlight: Ghana’s World Cup opener vs Panama is set after Thomas Partey’s visa ban was upheld, while Sudan’s under-17 women’s team—facing Comoros in qualifiers—marked a historic return to international women’s soccer.

Western Sahara Diplomacy: Gulf states, including the UAE and Bahrain, backed a political solution under Morocco’s autonomy plan, stressing respect for Morocco’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Comoros–Azerbaijan Ties: Azerbaijan’s foreign minister met Comoros’ finance minister to discuss strengthening cooperation in international forums and expanding South-South collaboration, including ahead of an OIC summit in 2027. EU–Indian Ocean Trade Deal: The EU and Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius and Seychelles concluded talks to deepen their economic partnership into a modern free trade agreement covering services and investment, with easier access for EU firms to sectors like maritime transport, telecoms and financial services. Regional Climate Support: The EU launched a €100m four-year climate displacement resilience programme, with Comoros included among beneficiary Indian Ocean states. Tourism Cooperation: Seychelles highlighted renewed Indian Ocean tourism coordination at the Vanilla Islands General Assembly and ITM 2026, with Comoros among the partners. Sports Betting Growth: A report says Africa’s sports betting market is surging fast, raising both opportunity and concerns over consumer protection and responsible gambling.

EU–Indian Ocean Trade Deal: The EU has concluded talks to deepen its Economic Partnership Agreement with Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius and Seychelles into a modern Free Trade Agreement, extending beyond goods to services, investment, digital trade and public procurement—potentially opening major opportunities for EU firms in sectors like maritime transport and financial services. Diplomacy: Azerbaijan’s foreign minister met Comoros’ finance minister to discuss strengthening bilateral ties, cooperation in international organizations and plans for expanded South-South collaboration ahead of an OIC summit in 2027. Maritime Security & Sanctions Pressure: A U.S.-linked case involving a tanker tied to the “shadow fleet” has resurfaced, with the vessel reportedly re-registered in Comoros after a long, murky pursuit and name changes—highlighting how sanctions evasion keeps shifting routes. Health & Travel Watch: A CDC chikungunya alert update notes the wider Indian Ocean risk picture, with the Comoros islands referenced as part of the region’s recent outbreak history. Sports (Regional Interest): Ghana’s World Cup opener vs Panama is set after Thomas Partey’s Canada entry ban was upheld, while Sudan’s under-17 women’s team returned to international football after defeats to Comoros.

Diplomacy: Azerbaijan’s foreign minister met Comoros’ finance minister Moussa Abderemane to discuss strengthening ties, including cooperation in the OIC and other international platforms and plans for South-South collaboration ahead of an OIC summit in 2027. Regional trade: The EU and Indian Ocean states including Comoros concluded talks to deepen the EU–ESA Economic Partnership Agreement into a modern free trade deal covering services and investment, with EU firms gaining more predictable access to sectors like financial services. Health & tourism: Seychelles highlighted regional tourism cooperation with Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius and others at the Vanilla Islands General Assembly and ITM 2026, while a wider Indian Ocean chikungunya alert continues to affect travel planning after new CDC outbreak listings that include Mauritius and link back to the 2005–2006 wave involving Comoros. Sports: World Cup attention is on Ghana’s Group L opener vs Panama, with Thomas Partey ruled out, and the match is also notable for Comoros’ earlier qualification link to Ghana’s campaign. Security: A joint international statement condemned a drone attack on the Barakah nuclear plant, listing Comoros among the signatories.

Danish-Style Financial Probe in Comoros-linked case: Thailand’s DSI says it found THB28m in transfers tied to a People’s Party MP in a forex probe, stressing the investigation is not political and that suspects are being linked to the money trail while victims were at risk. Maritime Mystery With Comoros Registry: A tanker renamed “Era” and registered in Comoros has resumed sailing after a long U.S. pursuit tied to a shadow-fleet case; databases still show the older name “Marinera,” and ownership details remain unclear. Indian Ocean Cooperation: Seychelles pushed deeper regional tourism ties with Comoros, Mauritius and others at the Vanilla Islands General Assembly and ITM 2026, focusing on connectivity and sustainable growth. EU Trade Boost for Comoros: The EU says it has concluded talks to deepen its Economic Partnership Agreement with Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius and Seychelles, expanding beyond goods into services and financial access. Regional Security Statement: Comoros joined a broad coalition condemning a drone attack on the UAE’s Barakah nuclear plant, calling it a violation of international law. Sports, With a Comoros Connection: Sudan’s under-17 women’s team returned to international competition after war, including heavy defeats to Comoros in qualifying.

Maritime Security: A shadow-fleet tanker linked to a long U.S. pursuit has reappeared under a new name, with registry in Comoros reported and AIS activity only recently resuming as it heads toward Trinidad—raising fresh questions about ownership and the vessel’s next legal fate. Sports (World Cup): FIFA named Chinese referee Ma Ning to lead an Ecuador match at the 2026 World Cup, with Comoros-linked football history also showing up in coverage of teams and qualifiers across the region. Regional Diplomacy: Comoros joined a broad joint condemnation of a drone attack targeting electrical infrastructure near the UAE’s Barakah Nuclear Plant, with dozens of countries backing the statement. Climate & Resilience: The EU announced a €100 million, four-year climate displacement resilience programme that includes Comoros, alongside Malawi, Madagascar, Mauritius and Seychelles. Health Watch: Chikungunya alerts expanded to Mauritius, part of a wider multi-country warning that also recalls the 2005–2006 Indian Ocean wave affecting the Comoros. EU Trade: Comoros is part of an upgraded EU–ESA economic partnership deal that moves beyond goods into services and digital trade, with financial services access highlighted.

World Cup 2026 (Ghana): Ghana’s World Cup opener vs Panama is set without midfielder Thomas Partey after a Canadian Federal Court upheld his entry ban, ending weeks of legal uncertainty tied to UK criminal proceedings; Ghana now starts Group L without a key control player under Carlos Queiroz. EU Trade (Comoros): The EU and Comoros (along with Madagascar, Mauritius and Seychelles) concluded talks on an upgraded Economic Partnership Agreement that goes beyond goods to cover services, digital trade, investment and rules on subsidies and barriers—aiming to make it easier for EU firms to operate in the islands. Health (Indian Ocean): Chikungunya is spreading across the region, with Mauritius added to the CDC’s active travel health notice list as the widest multi-country warning since 2014, raising concerns for travelers to the southwest Indian Ocean. Diplomacy/Security (Barakah): A large group of countries including Comoros condemned a May 17 drone attack on the UAE’s Barakah Nuclear Plant, calling it a violation of international law and warning of risks to civilians and the environment. Sports (Sudan): Sudan’s under-17 women’s team returned to international competition for the first time since the 2023 civil war, despite heavy defeats to Comoros, marking a major step for women’s football rebuilding.

Ghana World Cup setback: Ghana’s Thomas Partey has been ruled out of the Group L opener against Panama after a Canadian court upheld his entry ban, ending weeks of uncertainty and forcing Carlos Queiroz to start without a key midfield controller. Women’s football in conflict zones: Sudan’s under-17 women’s team returned to international competition for the first time since the 2023 civil war, playing Olympic qualifying matches in Morocco against Comoros despite heavy defeats. EU trade for Comoros and neighbors: The EU and Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius and Seychelles concluded talks on an enhanced Economic Partnership Agreement, extending beyond goods to services and digital trade, with new access for EU firms including financial services. Climate displacement funding: The EU launched a €100m, four-year regional programme to help countries including Comoros build resilience to climate-driven displacement, with early warning and response support. Regional security statement: A wide coalition including Comoros condemned a drone attack on the UAE’s Barakah Nuclear Plant on May 17, calling it a violation of international law.

Women’s Football: Sudan’s under-17 girls returned to international soccer in Morocco, facing heavy defeats by Comoros (17–0 and 13–0) as the team rebuilds amid war and long-running taboos. World Cup 2026 (Ghana): Ghana open Group L tonight vs Panama in Toronto, but will miss midfielder Thomas Partey after a Canadian entry ban was upheld by a court. EU–Comoros Trade: The EU and ESA4 (Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, Seychelles) concluded talks on an upgraded Economic Partnership Agreement, extending beyond goods to services and digital trade. Nuclear Safety Diplomacy: A large group of countries including Comoros condemned a May 17 drone attack on the UAE’s Barakah nuclear plant, warning of risks to civilians and regional security. Health Watch: Chikungunya alerts expanded as Mauritius was added to the CDC’s active travel notice list, joining other Indian Ocean and regional outbreaks. Sports (Comoros): Comoros’ women’s team crushed Sudan 30–0 on aggregate to reach the next round of the LA 2028 Olympic qualifiers, where they face Nigeria.

EU-ESA Trade Deal: The EU and Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius and Seychelles have concluded talks on an enhanced Economic Partnership Agreement, moving beyond goods to services and digital trade, with easier access for EU firms to sectors including financial services. Nuclear Attack Condemnation: A wide joint statement led by the UAE condemns the May 17 drone attack on electrical infrastructure linked to the Barakah Nuclear Plant, warning of risks to civilian life and possible transboundary harm; Comoros is among the signatories. World Cup Focus (Comoros link): Ghana open their World Cup campaign against Panama after qualifying with a win over Comoros, while Comoros’ own football story also stays in the spotlight as they crush Sudan 30-0 on aggregate to reach the LA 2028 Olympic qualifiers’ next round. Tech & Access: Google is expanding Ask Gemini in Chrome to Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, and the rollout list includes Comoros. Health Watch: Chikungunya alerts widen in the region as Mauritius is added to the CDC’s active travel notice list, joining other Indian Ocean and nearby outbreaks.

EU–Comoros Trade Upgrade: The EU and ESA partners Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius and Seychelles have wrapped up talks on an enhanced Economic Partnership Agreement, moving beyond goods to cover services, investment, digital trade and more predictable rules—opening the door for EU firms, including in financial services. Nuclear Attack Condemned: A large joint statement led by the UAE condemns the May 17 drone attack on electrical infrastructure near the Barakah Nuclear Plant, warning of risks to civilian life and potential transboundary harm; Comoros is among the signatories. Maritime Tensions Watch: Reports say visible shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has dropped sharply while enforcement pressure continues, with Iran’s export activity described as constrained but still adapting. Health Alert: The CDC added Mauritius to its active chikungunya travel notice list, now the fourth country/territory on the current roster, highlighting mosquito-borne spread risk across regions. Comoros Sports: Comoros’ women’s team booked the next round of the LA 2028 Olympic qualifiers after a dominant 30–0 aggregate win over Sudan, setting up a tougher clash with Nigeria’s Super Falcons. Tech for the Islands: Google is expanding Ask Gemini in Chrome to Comoros among other African markets, aiming to make browsing more AI-assisted.

Nuclear Safety Diplomacy: A wide coalition of countries including Comoros condemned a drone attack on the Barakah Nuclear Plant in the UAE, calling it a serious breach of international law and warning of risks to civilian life and health. Middle East Ceasefire & Energy: The US and Iran reportedly agreed a deal to end the war, with mediator Pakistan saying it will be signed in Switzerland; while oil markets reacted with falling prices, Israel says its Lebanon presence will continue—raising concerns for regional stability and energy flows. Health Alert in the Indian Ocean: Chikungunya is spreading fast, with the CDC listing Mauritius as the fourth active outbreak area alongside Suriname, Mayotte, and French Guiana—a reminder for Comoros and the wider region to step up mosquito control and travel precautions. EU Trade Deal: The EU and ESA4—including Comoros—concluded talks to deepen the Economic Partnership Agreement into a modern, comprehensive trade framework. Women’s Football (Olympics Qualifiers): Comoros crushed Sudan 30–0 on aggregate (17–0 then 13–0) to set up a second-round clash with Nigeria’s Super Falcons.

Women’s Football (Olympics Qualifiers): Comoros’ women’s team, the Coelacanthes, crushed Sudan 30-0 on aggregate to reach the next round of the LA 2028 Olympic qualifiers, winning 17-0 in the first leg and 13-0 in the return match; they now face Nigeria’s Super Falcons, Africa’s most successful women’s side, in October (Oct 5–13). EU-Comoros Trade: The EU and ESA partners including Comoros concluded talks on an enhanced Economic Partnership Agreement, aiming for deeper trade ties, clearer rules, and support for services and digitalisation. Tech & Access: Google expanded Ask Gemini in Chrome to more African markets, explicitly listing Comoros among the supported locales, alongside Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa. Maritime & Security: A U.S. Coast Guard case saw the tanker “Bella 1” master plead guilty for refusing USCG orders during a long pursuit, while separate reporting highlights ongoing drug-smuggling pressure on shipping routes that have involved Comoros-flagged vessels. World Cup Buzz: Multiple outlets ran World Cup 2026 guides and fixtures updates as the tournament opens June 11–July 19 in Mexico, the US and Canada.