AGP Executive Report

Water Crisis in Moroni: Residents in Moroni say water is delivered only about every three weeks, often for just an hour at night, forcing people to queue at dawn and buy costly supplies as the city’s pumping system struggles with a growing population. UNESCO World Heritage: UNESCO has inscribed six centuries-old Comoros medinas—living towns of palaces, mosques and narrow streets—on the World Heritage List, with officials calling it a “starting point” for protection. UNESCO Global Update: The World Heritage Committee added 25 new sites worldwide in Busan, including Tunisia’s Sidi Bou Said and major landmarks like France’s D-Day beaches. Regional Payments: South Africa and Angola agreed to add Angola’s kwanza to the SADC real-time payments system, though Comoros is not part of it. Comoros in the News Beyond Borders: A Comoros-flagged tanker was boarded or disabled in the US-Iran blockade crackdown, highlighting the archipelago’s shipping links.

UNESCO Heritage for Comoros: UNESCO has inscribed six ancient Comoros medinas—centuries-old sultanate towns along Indian Ocean trade routes—on the World Heritage List, with Comoros culture officials calling it a “starting point” for protecting living communities that still pray, trade and celebrate despite serious disrepair. Regional Travel Rules: South Africa’s Home Affairs says Comoros is among the African countries eligible for its eVisa, while the Royal Mail also lists Comoros among destinations where it can’t accept money parcels. Comoros in the News Beyond Heritage: A basketball coach from Namibia, Alpha Sankoh, has been selected to represent his country at an African Mini-Basketball Convention in Comoros. Migration Tragedy: At least 14 migrants from the DRC, Burundi and the Comoros died after their boat broke down off Tanzania’s Mafia Island; 22 were rescued. Global Spotlight: The U.S. says it disabled a Comoros-flagged tanker tied to attempts to run its Iran blockade, firing into the engine room.

UNESCO Heritage Boost for Comoros: UNESCO has inscribed six ancient Comoros medinas—centuries-old sultanate towns still home to residents—on the World Heritage List, with the Comoros culture minister calling it a “starting point” for protecting fragile heritage and opening new preservation support. Maritime Security in the Hormuz Region: The U.S. says it disabled the Mozambique-flagged tanker M/T Lavine after repeated attempts to breach the blockade on Iranian ports, firing into the engine room; CENTCOM also says a Comoros-flagged tanker, M/T Charminar, was boarded but allowed to continue. Comoros in the Visa Spotlight: A guide notes Comoros is among destinations where Bangladeshi travelers can use visa-free access, VOA, or eVisa options—useful for regional travel planning. Sports Transfer Linked to Comoros: Comoros defender Housseine Zakouani has signed for Tanzania’s Young Africans (Yanga), adding international experience ahead of the 2026/27 season. Regional Migration Tragedy: At least 14 migrants, including people from the Comoros, died after a boat broke down off Tanzania’s Mafia Island, with 22 rescued.

UNESCO Heritage Boost for Comoros: UNESCO has added six centuries-old medinas across the Comoros to the World Heritage List, with the Comoros culture minister calling it a “starting point” for protecting fragile, still-lived-in historic towns. Maritime Security & Blockade Tensions: U.S. forces disabled the Mozambique-flagged tanker M/T Lavine in the Gulf of Oman after repeated attempts to breach the Iranian blockade, firing into its engine room; meanwhile a Comoros-flagged tanker, M/T Charminar, was boarded but allowed to continue. Migration Tragedy in the Indian Ocean: At least 14 migrants from the DRC, Burundi and the Comoros died after their boat broke down off Tanzania’s Mafia Island, with 22 rescued after days adrift. Comoros in Regional Mobility Rules: Royal Mail says it can’t accept liability for money sent to Comoros via postal networks, and Lebanon’s visa-on-arrival list includes Comoros citizens. Sports: Comoros defender Housseine Zakouani has signed for Young Africans (Yanga), strengthening their squad for the 2026/27 season.

UNESCO Heritage Boost for Comoros: UNESCO has added six centuries-old Comoros medinas—living towns tied to the archipelago’s historic sultanates and Indian Ocean trade routes—to the World Heritage List, with the Comoros culture minister calling it a “starting point” that brings both preservation obligations and new opportunities. US-Iran Maritime Tensions (Comoros-linked): The US says its naval blockade against Iran remains in full effect, reporting that it redirected 12 commercial vessels, disabled two, and boarded two for compliance checks; notably, US forces completed a verification boarding of the Comoros-flagged tanker M/T Charminar in the Arabian Sea and allowed it to continue, while disabling the Mozambique-flagged M/T Lavine in the Gulf of Oman. Migration Tragedy Near Tanzania: At least 14 migrants from the DRC, Burundi and Comoros died after a boat broke down off Tanzania’s Mafia Island while trying to reach Mayotte, with 22 survivors rescued after days stranded at sea.

UN Blockade Update (Comoros-linked ships): The US Central Command says its naval blockade against Iran is still in full effect, with 12 commercial vessels redirected, two “non-compliant” ships disabled, and two others boarded for verification. Maritime Interdictions: CENTCOM reports a verification boarding of the Comoros-flagged tanker M/T Charminar in the Arabian Sea, after which it continued its voyage, while the Mozambique-flagged M/T Lavine was disabled in the Gulf of Oman after repeated attempts to breach the blockade. UNESCO Heritage (Comoros): UNESCO has added six historic medinas in the Comoros to the World Heritage List, marking the first UNESCO sites for the archipelago and highlighting living towns with palaces, mosques and narrow streets dating back to the 12th century. Regional Migration (Tanzania): At least 14 migrants from the DRC, Burundi and the Comoros died after a boat broke down off Tanzania’s Mafia Island while trying to reach Mayotte; 22 survivors were rescued.

UNESCO Heritage: Comoros just scored a major win as UNESCO added six centuries-old medinas to the World Heritage List, including the 14th-century medina in Moroni with its Friday Mosque and the dhow port area—officials say the sites are living towns, but many structures are in serious disrepair. Migration Tragedy: At least 14 migrants from the DRC, Burundi and the Comoros died after their boat broke down off Tanzania’s Mafia Island while trying to reach Mayotte; 22 survivors were rescued after the vessel was stranded for eight days. Regional Security: The US military says it fired on a merchant vessel attempting to breach its Iranian blockade, disabling the Comoros-flagged M/T Lavine after repeated attempts. Sports: Comoros defender Housseine Zakouani has signed for Tanzania’s Young Africans (Yanga) ahead of the 2026/2027 season. Travel Rules: Royal Mail says it can’t accept liability for parcels sent to Comoros, warning some destinations have restrictions on money sent through postal networks.

Comoros Football Abroad: Comoros defender Housseine Zakouani has signed for Tanzania’s Young Africans (Yanga) from Saudi club Al Zulfi, joining the Mainland Premier League champions as they target a title defence and CAF Champions League run. Regional Sports Spotlight: Sunderland also highlighted Comoros-linked talent in its pre-season coverage, with the club set to use academy players during friendlies in the United States. Travel Rules Affecting Comoros Citizens: Royal Mail says it can’t send parcels to Comoros and many other countries via its postal network, while Lebanon’s visa-on-arrival list includes Comoros—both reminders that paperwork and logistics can make travel and shipping harder. Business & Tech (Comoros-linked release): In Mutsamudu, MEXC announced new tokenized-stock and short-cycle prediction features, plus TAO staking via Yuma—more evidence of Comoros-based fintech messaging reaching global markets.

Crypto & Markets in Comoros: MEXC, operating from Mutsamudu, expanded its Ondo tokenized stock offerings with four new U.S. stock pairs (Cloudflare, MaxLinear, GlobalFoundries, First Majestic Silver), launching for spot trading July 23 and opening withdrawals July 24, with assets backed by underlying securities via regulated custodial brokers. New Trading Feature: MEXC also launched “Up or Down,” a short-cycle prediction market with 5- and 15-minute cycles, starting July 24 and running to Aug 9, backed by a $1 million prize pool and 24/7 automated events. Regional Mobility Rules: Royal Mail warned that it “can’t accept liability” for money parcels sent to a long list of destinations that includes Comoros, urging use of tracked services with limited compensation. Visa-on-Arrival for Comorians: Lebanon’s visa-on-arrival list for tourists includes Comoros, but entry requires proof of onward travel, accommodation, and at least $2,000 in funds. Business & Trade Leadership: PACCI elected Minja as Vice President for the East African region (2026–2028), with Comoros among the countries he will represent.

Comoros–China Diplomacy: The Chinese Mission to the African Union says it met Comoros’ Permanent Representative Assoumani, praising long-standing friendship and pledging deeper cooperation under China’s Global Governance Initiative. Sports & Identity: A Comoros international, Rafiki Said, is reported to have joined Wolves, with the club highlighting his scoring record and the excitement around his move to English football. Governance Watch: A new Ibrahim Index of African Governance update flags a worsening anti-corruption trend in Botswana and notes Comoros among the countries with the steepest deteriorations since 2016. Travel Access: Panama published an official visa-free list for African countries (including Comoros), allowing up to three months without a visa; separate reports also show Comoros appearing on other countries’ visa-free or visa requirement lists. Regional Politics: SADC announced it will send an observer mission to Zambia’s 13 August 2026 election.

Comoros Mobility & Travel: Lebanon’s visa-on-arrival list for 2026 includes Comoros, with entry tied to a return/onward ticket, proof of accommodation, and at least $2,000 in cash or a bank cheque. Regional Politics: SADC announced an observer mission to Zambia for the 13 August 2026 general election, with refresher training for observers set for 1–4 August and the mission launch scheduled for 6 August. Comoros in International Diplomacy: China’s AU mission met Comoros’ AU representative Assoumani, reaffirming long-standing ties and support for deeper Comoros–China cooperation. Business & Finance (Comoros-linked): Crypto exchange MEXC, headquartered in Mutsamudu, Comoros, marked its first 100 days and announced new moves including TAO staking with Yuma and a compliance leadership appointment. Sports (Comoros): Comoros winger Rafiki Said has joined Wolves, with the club highlighting his transition to English football after a strong Belgian season.

Passport Power Watch: The Henley Passport Index (July 2026) puts South Africa at the top in Africa (101 visa-free/visa-on-arrival destinations), while Nigeria slips to 45th in Africa and 90th globally with access to 44 destinations. Visa Access Updates: Lebanon says Comoros citizens can get a one-month tourist visa on arrival if they show a return ticket, accommodation proof, and at least $2,000 cash; Antigua and Barbuda also lists Comoros for visa-free entry in 2026; Panama allows Comoros travellers visa-free for up to three months. Business & Compliance: MEXC appoints Robert MacDonald as Chief Compliance Officer to lead its global compliance strategy. Comoros-China Diplomacy: China’s AU mission head Jiang Feng meets Comoros’ AU representative Assoumani, reaffirming deep ties and support for cooperation. Sports (Comoros link): Wolves sign Comoros winger Rafiki Said, with the club expecting him to adapt quickly to English football.

Visa Rules for Comorians: Lebanon says Comoros is among 13 African countries eligible for a tourist visa on arrival, with a one-month stay and conditions like a return ticket, proof of accommodation, and at least $2,000 cash or a bank cheque. Regional Business Leadership: Tanzania’s Vincent Minja was elected PACCI vice president for the East African region (2026–2028), representing 14 countries including Comoros, aiming to boost intra-African trade and investment. Comoros–China Diplomacy: The Chinese AU mission’s head, Ambassador Jiang Feng, met Comoros’ AU representative Assoumani, reaffirming long-standing friendship and support for deeper Comoros–China cooperation. Sports (Comoros link): Wolves’ new signing Rafiki Said, a Comoros international, is highlighted as he joins the English club ahead of the season. Travel Access (More lists): Antigua and Barbuda published its 2026 visa-free African list, which includes Comoros.

Visa rules across the region: Antigua and Barbuda published its 2026 visa-free list for 24 African countries, including Comoros, while Saint Kitts and Nevis released a visa-required list that also includes Comoros and requires an Electronic Travel Authorisation for everyone. Trade and diplomacy: Tanzania’s chamber chief Vincent Minja was elected PACCI vice president for the East African region (2026–2028), representing Comoros among 14 countries. Comoros-China ties: The Chinese Mission to the AU met Comoros’ AU representative Assoumani, reaffirming support and cooperation under China’s Global Governance Initiative. Sports (Comoros link): Wolves signed Comoros winger Rafiki Said from Standard Liege for £7.7m. Travel access: Tunisia confirmed visa-free entry for several African countries in 2026, including Comoros (up to 90 days).

Visa Access Updates: Antigua and Barbuda published its 2026 visa-free list for 24 African countries, including Comoros, while Panama says eligible African travellers can enter visa-free for up to three months; Saint Kitts and Nevis, meanwhile, released a visa-required list that also includes Comoros. Regional Business Leadership: Tanzania’s Vincent Minja was elected PACCI vice president for the East African region (2026–2028), representing 14 countries including Comoros, with a focus on boosting intra-African trade and investment. Comoros-China Ties: The Chinese Mission to the African Union met Comoros’ Permanent Representative Assoumani, reaffirming support and deepening cooperation under China’s Global Governance Initiative. Sports (Comoros in the mix): Wolves signed Comoros winger Rafiki Said, adding to their push under new coach Cesar Peixoto. Maritime & Security: A report on Russia’s “shadow fleet” highlights how African shipping registries are being targeted to bypass sanctions—an issue with clear regional relevance.

Visa Rules for Comorians Abroad: Saint Kitts and Nevis published its 2026 entry list, putting Comoros among the African countries whose citizens need a visa before travel, plus an Electronic Travel Authorisation for all visitors. French Language Snapshot: A new roundup lists where French is official or co-official, including Comoros as a co-official language country. Comoros-China Diplomacy: The head of China’s AU mission, Ambassador Jiang Feng, met Comoros’ AU representative Assoumani, reaffirming deep ties and support for cooperation under China’s Global Governance Initiative. Student Visa Costs (France): France posted student visa fees by country group, with Comoros included among African applicants paying 50 euros. Regional Travel Access: Tunisia also released a 2026 visa-free list that includes Comoros, allowing eligible visitors up to 90 days. Maritime Security (Kenya): Kenya advanced its National Maritime Security Strategy after an IMO-backed workshop, focusing on safer seas, cyber risks, and coastal community roles.