Timeline of Comoros

Chronology

14 events spanning the history of Comoros. BCE/CE dating.

1. 1886

   Comoros becomes a French protectorate.

   Comoros becomes a French protectorate.

2. 1912

   Comoros formally become a French colony administered from Madagascar.

   Comoros formally become a French colony administered from Madagascar.

3. 1942

   British forces invade the Comoros and Madagascar.

   British forces invade the Comoros and Madagascar, toppling the pro-Vichy administration and handing the territories over to the Free French government of Charles de Gaulle.

4. 1947

   Comoros become an overseas territory of France,

   Comoros become an overseas territory of France and are given representation in the French parliament.

5. 1961

   Comoros given autonomy.

   Comoros given autonomy.

6. 1974

   Three of the islands making up the Comoros vote for independence.

   Three of the islands making up the Comoros vote for independence, but a fourth island, Mayotte, votes to stay with France.

7. 1975

   The islands of Grande Comore, Moheli and Anjouan become independent.

   The islands of Grande Comore, Moheli and Anjouan become independent with Ahmed Abdallah as president.

8. 1997

   The islands of Anjouan and Moheli declare independence from the Comoros.

   The islands of Anjouan and Moheli declare independence from the Comoros.

9. 1999

   Massounde signs an autonomy agreement in Madagascar.

   Tadjidine Ben Said Massounde signs an autonomy agreement in Madagascar, but the delegates from Anjouan and Moheli refuse to follow suit, saying they must first consult their people, thereby prompting violent demonstrations in Grande Comore against people of Anjouan origins.

10. 2001

    Voters back a new constitution that will keep the three islands as one country.

    Voters back a new constitution that will keep the three islands as one country, but will grant each one greater autonomy.