In response to widespread protests against the re-election of President Azali Assoumani, authorities in Comoros have implemented a complete internet shutdown in an effort to quell the demonstrations. Reports indicate that one person has been killed and six others injured as police clash with opposition supporters in the capital city of Moroni.

Following the announcement by the electoral commission that President Assoumani had secured 63% of the vote in Sunday's election, opposition parties denounced the results as fraudulent and called for their cancellation. This declaration triggered violent protests on Wednesday, with opposition supporters taking to the streets and expressing their discontent.

During the protests, several roads in Moroni were barricaded and an unspecified number of protesters were arrested. The situation escalated rapidly, with buildings being vandalized, looted, and set on fire, including the home of a government minister. In addition, a car at the residence of another minister was torched, and a national food depot was burnt down.

The internet shutdown has significantly disrupted communication within the country. Global internet monitoring site Netblocks confirms that internet services have been severely affected, with certain websites becoming inaccessible. Comores Infos news website reports that WhatsApp calls have been blocked and mobile messaging has been restricted due to extremely slow connection speeds. The aim of the shutdown is believed to be the prevention of demonstrators from sharing compromising images and coordinating their actions through social media platforms.

Health officials have reported the first casualties arising from the protests. At Moroni's El Maarouf hospital, six individuals have been admitted, one of whom is in critical condition. Tragically, a 21-year-old man lost his life during the protests, with reports suggesting that he was shot.

Opposition party official Daoudou Abdallah Mohamed stated that the protests were a "spontaneous uprising against autocratic rule" and clarified that the opposition did not organize the demonstrations but stands in solidarity with the protesting youth.

President Azali Assoumani's victory in the election is expected to be confirmed by the Comoros' Supreme Court over the weekend. However, the violent protests and widespread discontent raise concerns about the stability and political landscape of the country in the aftermath of these events.