1997 Anjouan independence referendum

In July 1997 opposition parties were banned and Anjouan separatist leader Abdallah Ibrahim was arrested. His arrest led to rioting in Mutsamudu, the capital of Anjouan.[2] Following the riots, militants from the Anjouan People's Movement took over the island, and declared independence on 3 August 1997. Ibrahim was released from prison and named President. At the same time, the island of Mohéli also declared independence.[2]

On 3 October the Comorian army attempted to invade the island, but were repulsed by local troops.[3] A referendum was subsequently called by Ibrahim despite opposition from the Organisation for African Unity and the Arab League.[3]

Following the referendum, Ibrahim was appointed head of a provision government of island, now renamed Nzwani. In mid-November he agreed to attend peace talks with Comorian president Mohamed Taki Abdoulkarim.[2] After the talks fell through, Anjouan voters subsequently approved a draft constitution in a referendum in February 1998.[2]

Following another failed attempt to reach agreement in 1999,[4] agreement was reached between the Comorian government and the Anjouan separatists in 2001 to progress with a national referendum on a new federal constitution.[2] This was approved by 76% of voters nationally, and 95% of voters on Anjouan.[5]