Comoros Declares Independence from French Rule on July 6, 1975

• The Comoros declared independence on July 6, 1975, marking a crucial moment in their history.
• The islands were first claimed by Diego Ribero in 1505 but became a French colony in 1843.
• Following WWII, The Comoros became an overseas French territory, leading to eventual autonomy in 1961.
• Internal autonomy was granted in 1961, but a referendum in 1974 led to the declaration of independence.
• Despite the declaration, French intervention resulted in Mayotte remaining a French overseas province.

Historical Background of Comoros’ Independence

The history of The Comoros is quite fascinating, particularly the event that unfolded on July 6, 1975, when the archipelago declared its independence from French rule. This national day is now deeply ingrained in the identity of Comorians and symbolizes their struggle and determination for self-governance. The islands, originally charted by the Portuguese explorer Diego Ribero in 1505, were later colonized by France in the mid-1800s, starting with a military takeover of Mayotte Island in 1843, which marked the beginning of years of colonial rule.

Colonial Expansion and Autonomy

In 1886, the French expanded their colonial grip by incorporating the other islands of Grande Comoros, Anjouan, and Moheli into their territorial domain, solidifying control over the entire archipelago. Following the tumultuous period of World War II, the colonial status of The Comoros began to shift. The aftermath of the war made it increasingly challenging for France to sustain its overseas territories, leading to The Comoros becoming an overseas territory rather than a traditional colony, easing France’s administrative burdens . During this transitional period, a notable step was taken in 1961 when internal autonomy was granted to the islands, which was a beacon of hope for many Comorians who longed for greater self-determination and governance.

The Declaration of Independence and Its Aftermath

However, this hope faced a significant setback after a referendum in December 1974 revealed a profound divide among the islands. Moheli, Anjouan, and Grande Comoros overwhelmingly voted for complete independence, while Mayotte opted to remain affiliated with France. It was on July 6, 1975, that The Comoros’ parliament took a pivotal step, declaring independence from France and establishing Ahmed Abdallah as the first president of the newly sovereign state. Yet, French intervention soon overturned this resolution, resulting in Mayotte maintaining its status as a French overseas province, a subject of contention up to this day. This incident not only highlights the complexity of regional politics but also reflects the lasting impact of colonialism in shaping the path of nations.

The Comoros declared independence on July 6, 1975, a moment that remains significant in their national history. The events that led to this declaration involved a complex interplay of colonial history, a push for autonomy, and crucial decisions by the inhabitants of the islands. Despite French intervention that altered the immediate outcome, the legacy of that declaration continues to inspire the nation today.