Overview:

• Sunni Islam is the state denomination.

• Existential recognition only exists for Sunni Islam.

• There exists no established procedures for recognition meaning the Comoros is in a state of ambiguity.

• Freedom of religion or belief is non-existent in the Comoros.

• Narratives of “national identity” and “national cohesion” are used to justification restrictions on non-Sunni religious activity.

• Being the highest authority in the country, the fact that the Grand Mufti decides on all religious activity taking place in the country is a serious violation of the religious freedoms of those who do not share Islamic beliefs.

• The country is a signatory but not a party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Positive elements:

• Nil.

Recommendations:

• Dismantlement of the terminal system and the body of restrictions on all non-Sunni religious activity.

• Use of the tool of recognition as a means to educate about the importance of religious diversity and to spread awareness of the validity of minorities through the reaffirmation of their recognised, protected status.