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The Union of Comoros is an island nation located in the northern end of Mozambique Channel in the Indian Ocean. The capital city is Moroni, while the official languages are Comorian, French and Arabic. The human population is one million, and the ethnic composition comprises mostly Comorians at 97.1%, Makua, 1.6% and others, 1.3%. About 98% of the population in the island are Sunni Muslims, with most adherents being of Arab, African and Malagasy origin.
Brief History
The history of the Comoros extends back to about 800-1000 AD when it was first inhabited. It has been under the control of various groups and Sultanates throughout time. France colonised the island in the 19th century before it attained independence in 1975.
God’s Canvass in Comoros
The climate of the country is generally tropical and mild, and the two major seasons are distinguishable by the intensity of rain. The temperature reaches an average of 84-86 Fahrenheit in March. Fauna and flora of Comoros are presented below.
Fauna
Like many Indo-Pacific islands, the Comoros host a diverse array of species. These include Livingstone fruit bat, olive pigeon, Anjoun sunbird, Moheli brush warbler and lemurs. Some of them are shown in the pictures below.
Flora
Comoros is also home to a diversity of plant lives such as prickly poppy, milkweed, Barbados nut and mango. Some of the species are shown below.
Beaches
Culture
Comorians are strong followers of Islam, and religious celebrations are widely observed. The local culture is a hodgepodge of Arab, French and African influences. The natives have a strong regard for music and other performance arts. Local artisans are skilled in sculpture, pottery, embroidery and basketry.
Traditional Attire
Men wear the kandu with a kofia on their head, while women adorn the bobou, shiromani, salouva or bwibwi. The kandu is often embroidered on the collars and sleeves, while the kofia, a small white cap, is adorned with embroidered patterns made with golden threads. Some of the traditional attires are presented below.
Cuisine
The country’s cuisine owes a lot to Arab and French influences, creating a fusion of European classics with a Middle Eastern or East African twist. Some notable dishes are shown below.
Status of Christianity in Comoros
Many adherents of Islam in the country are very hostile to Christianity. There are many reports of Muslim communities ostracising individuals suspected of converting from Islam to Christianity. This forces many converts to keep their faith secret. Any Christian who evangelises can face legal consequences, including a fine or up to a year in prison.
Prayer Points
The earth is the LORD’s and the fullness thereof (Psalm 24:1). The Lord Jesus Christ atoned for the sin of the entire humanity (John 1:29). Therefore, satan has no claims on Comorians. They are only being held in captivity due to their ignorance. In the light of the foregoing, Christian believers are duty bound to intercede for all unsaved souls in the country, using its President, Azali Assoumani as point of contact. The following prayer points are a guide. Pray as the Holy Spirit leads you.
- Ask the Father to judge all demonic principalities holding the people of Comoros hostage.
- Pray that He would destroy their platforms and infrastructure in the country.
- Ask the Father to pour His Spirit on all Comorians as He promised to do for all flesh in Joel 2:28
- Pray that God would send labourers into His harvest in Comoros
- Pray for the safety of Christian converts and the boldness for them to preach the gospel.
- Ask the Father to sanctify all Christian believers with His word and purge them of all pollutions from false religions.
Intercession Checklist
Use the map provided in the text to pick a town, region or city for focused prayer. Present the chosen geographical space to the Father and tell Him that you are claiming its people for Christ as His ambassador. The anchor Scriptures are Psalms 2:8 and 2 Corinthians 5:20.
****Materials sourced from Comoros – History and Culture, https://www.iexplore.com, Come Discover the Culture of Comoros, https://adorecomores.com, Comoros: Serving Persecuted Christians Worldwide, https://www.opendoors.org, Comoros, https://en.wikipedia.org.