Residents of Comoros are expressing anger over rising living costs and an energy crisis as Ramadan begins. The government announced measures such as tax breaks and import guarantees, but implementation has been slow. Many citizens depend on money transfers from family abroad, indicative of the economic strain. Continued water shortages and fuel quality issues affect daily life, prompting calls for quick resolutions.
The island nation of Comoros is experiencing escalating anger among its residents due to soaring living costs and an ongoing energy crisis, particularly as Ramadan commences. The government has pledged to address these issues; however, tangible impacts are still awaited.
In late February, the Comoros government announced measures aimed at combating the rising prices prior to Ramadan, a significant month for the Muslim population, which is approximately 98 percent Sunni Muslim. These initiatives include providing tax breaks, creating a 6 billion Comorian franc fund to secure importation of essentials, and enhancing the electricity supply.
Despite these announcements, the Consumer Federation of the Comoros has expressed dissatisfaction with the implementation pace of these measures, citing continuous increases in the prices of oil, sugar, flour, and other essentials. Nasra Mohamed Issa, the Federation’s president, noted, “The measures announced are all well and good, but they are not being implemented.”
Many residents are reportedly reliant on financial support from family members abroad, as evidenced by increased money transfers from January to February. Notably, transfers surged from 59 to 135 million Comorian francs, indicating a significant rise in this trend during Ramadan preparations.
Despite new generators being installed, residents of Moroni still endure intermittent power outages and water shortages. Mahamoud Salim Hafi, deputy secretary-general of the government, urged patience, assuring the public that improvements to the water situation are forthcoming and that tax adjustments have been made to address pricing concerns.
Complicating matters further, the Consumer Federation has raised issues regarding fuel quality, leading to breakdowns of vehicles. A meeting with the Transporters’ Union was planned to discuss this alarming situation.
In summary, the residents of Comoros are facing a dual crisis of increasing living costs and energy shortages, heightening public frustration. While the government has introduced measures aimed at alleviating these pressures, the effectiveness and prompt implementation of these initiatives remain under scrutiny. The reliance on diaspora support among citizens further emphasizes the urgent need for effective government intervention and substantial improvements in living conditions.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
