AGP Executive Report

CAF & FIFA Politics: CAF’s silence is finally breaking as its executive committee prepares to discuss the abandoned FIFA “Forward Enterprise” plan after Infantino scrapped the proposal to sell a stake in future World Cup revenue; Reuters reports five African football leaders—including Comoros Football Federation president Saïd Ali Athouman—have publicly backed Infantino, pointing to FIFA development funding as the key reason many federations stay loyal. Comoros in the Spotlight: Comoros is named among the African countries backing Infantino and also appears in UNESCO’s latest heritage wave, with “Medinas of the Historic Sultanates of the Comoros” inscribed as a new World Heritage site. Heritage & Tourism: UNESCO added 25 new World Heritage sites worldwide in Busan, including Comoros’ historic medinas—an opportunity to boost cultural tourism. Regional Connectivity: Madagascar and Comoros have resumed direct flights after a four-year gap, with services expected to support travel, trade and tourism between the islands. Regional Security: Saudi Arabia launched a multinational maritime defence alliance for Red Sea shipping, with Comoros listed among founding signatories.

UNESCO World Heritage Boost for Comoros: The World Heritage Committee in Busan inscribed the “Medinas of the Historic Sultanates of the Comoros” as a new UNESCO World Heritage site, highlighting centuries-old towns tied to urban growth, culture and trade networks. Air Connectivity for the Indian Ocean: Comoros and Madagascar have resumed direct flights after a four-year gap, with Madagascar Airlines operating the Antananarivo–Mahajanga–Moroni route twice weekly, expected to lift tourism, business and trade. FIFA Politics, African Support: As FIFA President Gianni Infantino faces pressure over a scrapped plan to sell a stake in future World Cup revenue, leading African football administrators—including Comoros Football Federation president Saïd Ali Athouman—publicly backed him ahead of CAF discussions. Regional Mobility Rules: Panama published a visa-free list that includes Comoros, joining a small set of African countries allowed entry without a visa for up to three months. Maritime Security in the Region: Saudi Arabia launched a multinational maritime defence alliance to protect Red Sea and Bab al-Mandeb shipping, with Comoros among the founding signatories.

Strait of Hormuz Tensions: Iran says the Strait of Hormuz will only reopen to traffic if the U.S. ends its naval blockade, even as Oman and Iran move toward a deal on ship routes. Maritime Security in the Region: Saudi Arabia has launched a multinational maritime defence alliance to protect Red Sea and Bab al-Mandeb shipping, with Comoros among the founding states. Comoros in Global Heritage: UNESCO inscribed “Medinas of the Historic Sultanates of the Comoros” on the World Heritage List, marking the first World Heritage listing for Comoros. Indian Ocean Connectivity: Madagascar and Comoros have resumed direct flights after a four-year pause, expected to boost tourism and trade. Football Politics: African football leaders, including Comoros’ federation chief, are backing FIFA President Gianni Infantino after he dropped a controversial World Cup revenue “sell-off” plan. Visa Access Watch: Panama lists Comoros among nine African countries granted visa-free entry.

Visa Access for Comorians: Panama says only nine African countries get visa-free entry, and Comoros is on the list—alongside Botswana, Gabon, Madagascar, Mauritius, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa and São Tomé and Príncipe—while major states like Nigeria, Kenya and Ghana are left out. CAF Backs Infantino: Ahead of a CAF executive meeting, leading African football administrators signalled support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino as he seeks re-election, after he dropped a controversial plan to sell a stake in future World Cup revenue. UNESCO World Heritage Milestone: UNESCO’s 48th World Heritage session in Busan added 25 new sites, including the historic medinas of the Comoros—Comoros’ first inscription—while also welcoming first-time entries for São Tomé and Príncipe and South Sudan. Regional Connectivity Boost: Madagascar and Comoros resumed direct flights after a four-year pause, with services expected to lift tourism, business travel and trade between the islands. Maritime Security Pact: Saudi Arabia launched a multinational maritime defence alliance for the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandeb, with Comoros among the founding signatories.

FIFA Politics: African football chiefs have publicly backed embattled FIFA president Gianni Infantino as he seeks support from CAF’s 54 member associations, welcoming his U-turn on a controversial plan to sell a stake in future World Cup revenue while still preparing for a CAF executive committee discussion on the wider FIFA crisis. UNESCO Heritage: UNESCO has inscribed 25 new World Heritage sites at its Busan session, including the first-ever World Heritage listing for Comoros—“Medinas of the Historic Sultanates of the Comoros”—alongside new additions for São Tomé and Príncipe and South Sudan. Regional Air Links: Comoros and Madagascar have resumed direct flights after a four-year hiatus, with services expected to boost tourism, trade, and people-to-people links. Maritime Security: Saudi Arabia has launched a multinational maritime defence alliance to protect Red Sea and Bab al-Mandeb shipping, with Comoros among the founding signatories.

UNESCO World Heritage: The 48th UNESCO World Heritage Committee session in Busan added 25 new sites worldwide, bringing the total to 1,273. Comoros milestone: Medinas of the Historic Sultanates of the Comoros was inscribed for the first time, alongside first-ever entries for São Tomé and Príncipe and South Sudan. Heritage under threat: Three properties were added under emergency protection, and six sites were placed on the World Heritage in Danger list. Regional connectivity: Madagascar and Comoros have resumed direct flights after a four-year gap, with services expected to boost tourism, trade and people-to-people links. Maritime security: Saudi Arabia is pushing a multinational maritime defence alliance for the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandeb, with Comoros among the founding states, as attacks and shipping risks continue to reshape routes.

UNESCO World Heritage: The 48th UNESCO World Heritage Committee session in Busan has added 25 new sites worldwide, bringing the total to 1,273. The big Comoros moment: Medinas of the Historic Sultanates of the Comoros is now inscribed, marking the islands’ first-ever World Heritage listing. UNESCO also approved 19 cultural sites, five natural sites and one mixed property, with emergency protection used for three threatened places. Air Links: Madagascar and Comoros have resumed direct flights after a four-year gap, with services twice a week between Antananarivo–Mahajanga–Moroni—expected to boost tourism, trade and people-to-people travel. Regional Trade & Industry: The African Development Fund approved a $3.48m grant for Cameroon, Chad, Comoros, Madagascar, and Togo to strengthen industrial and trade policy frameworks and support AfCFTA implementation. Maritime Security: Saudi Arabia is pushing a multinational Red Sea defence alliance to protect shipping around Bab al-Mandeb and the Gulf of Aden, with Comoros listed among the founding members.

UNESCO World Heritage Milestone for Comoros: The 48th UNESCO World Heritage Committee session in Busan, South Korea, added 25 new sites worldwide, including the first-ever World Heritage listing for Comoros: the Medinas of the Historic Sultanates of the Comoros. UNESCO also inscribed 19 cultural sites, five natural sites and one mixed site, and used an emergency procedure for three threatened properties. New Air Links for the Indian Ocean: Madagascar and Comoros resumed direct flights after a four-year hiatus, with Madagascar Airlines launching the Antananarivo–Mahajanga–Moroni route twice weekly (Thursdays and Sundays), expected to boost tourism, trade and people-to-people ties. Regional Security Watch: Saudi Arabia moved to create a multinational maritime defence alliance for the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandeb, with Comoros among the signatories, as shipping risks remain high. Visa and Mobility Pressure: New debate in Europe over tightening Schengen rules is raising concerns for Africans who travel or live in the bloc, including Nigerians and other residents. AfCFTA Support for Comoros: The African Development Fund approved a $3.48m grant for industrial and trade policy work across Comoros and four other countries, aiming to strengthen evidence-based policymaking and AfCFTA implementation.

UNESCO World Heritage: The 48th UNESCO World Heritage Committee session in Busan has inscribed 25 new sites worldwide, bringing the total to 1,273. Comoros milestone: It also marked Comoros’ first-ever World Heritage listing, alongside first-time entries for São Tomé and Príncipe and South Sudan. Heritage under threat: Three sites were added under an emergency procedure, reflecting growing pressure on places in conflict zones. Air links for the Indian Ocean: Madagascar and Comoros have restored direct flights after a four-year hiatus, with services expected to boost tourism, trade, and people-to-people links. Regional security at sea: Saudi Arabia has launched a multinational maritime defence alliance to protect Red Sea and Bab al-Mandeb shipping routes, with Comoros listed among founding signatories. Visa and mobility pressure: New reporting highlights how passport strength and visa rules can sharply limit travel freedom, with Schengen rejection rates cited for Comoros. Development funding: The African Development Fund approved a $3.48m grant to strengthen industrial and trade policy frameworks in Comoros and four other African countries.

UNESCO World Heritage: The 48th World Heritage Committee session in Busan has inscribed 25 new sites worldwide, bringing the total to 1,273. Comoros milestone: It also marks the first-ever World Heritage inscriptions for Comoros (alongside São Tomé and Príncipe and South Sudan), with UNESCO noting 19 cultural, five natural and one mixed property added, plus emergency listings for sites in conflict zones. Air links for the islands: Madagascar and Comoros have resumed direct flights after a four-year hiatus, with services twice weekly expected to boost tourism, business and trade. Maritime security: Saudi Arabia has launched a multinational maritime defence alliance for the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandeb, with Comoros among the signatories. Local life in Moroni: Residents report worsening water shortages, with taps running only every few weeks and higher costs for purchased water. Energy event: Registration is open for the 11th African Rift Geothermal Conference in Moroni (19–24 Oct 2026).

UNESCO Milestone for Comoros: The 48th UNESCO World Heritage Committee session in Busan added 25 new sites worldwide and marked a historic first for Comoros, with the country securing its inaugural World Heritage inscription, alongside São Tomé and Príncipe and South Sudan. Heritage Spotlight: The wider 2026 list includes major global landmarks such as Greece’s Mount Olympus and France’s D-Day landing beaches, while also expanding recognition for underrepresented regions. Air Links Back on Track: Comoros and Madagascar have resumed direct flights after a four-year gap, with Madagascar Airlines operating the Antananarivo–Mahajanga–Moroni route twice weekly, expected to boost tourism, business, and trade. Regional Development Push: The African Development Fund approved a $3.48 million grant to strengthen industrial and trade policy frameworks in five countries including Comoros, supporting AfCFTA implementation. Local Life—Water Stress: In Moroni, residents report worsening water shortages, with long gaps between supply and rising costs for purchased water. Energy Meeting in Moroni: Registration is open for the 11th African Rift Geothermal Conference (19–24 October 2026), hosted in Comoros to advance geothermal investment and policy.

UNESCO World Heritage Milestone for Comoros: The 48th UNESCO World Heritage Committee session in Busan added 25 new sites worldwide and, crucially, marked Comoros’ first-ever inscription—alongside São Tomé and Príncipe and South Sudan—bringing the list to 1,273 properties across 173 countries. Heritage, Tourism and Culture: The wider 2026 roll-out includes major global draws like Greece’s Mount Olympus and France’s D-Day landing beaches, while also expanding recognition of modernist architecture. Water Crisis in Moroni: In Comoros’ capital, residents say taps run only about every three weeks, forcing families to queue for tanker deliveries and pay rising prices for water. Regional Connectivity: Madagascar and Comoros have restored direct air links after a four-year pause, with flights expected to boost travel and tourism between the two islands. Energy and Investment Push: Registration is open for the 11th African Rift Geothermal Conference in Moroni (19–24 Oct 2026), aiming to accelerate geothermal development. Trade Policy Support: The African Development Fund approved a $3.48m grant for Comoros and four other countries to strengthen industrial and trade policy frameworks under AfCFTA.

UNESCO World Heritage: The 48th UNESCO World Heritage Committee has closed in Busan with 25 new World Heritage sites added worldwide, bringing the total to 1,273. Comoros Milestone: Comoros secured its first-ever inscription, joining South Sudan and São Tomé and Príncipe as first-time African countries on the list. Heritage Under Threat: Six sites were also placed on the World Heritage in Danger list, with three added via emergency protection—highlighting how conflict and instability are pushing more landmarks into urgent need of protection. Global Highlights: New entries include Greece’s Mount Olympus and France’s D-Day Landing Beaches, alongside modernist architecture recognition such as Finland’s Aalto Works—showing UNESCO’s widening view of what counts as heritage. Regional Development: Separately, the African Development Fund approved a $3.48m grant for industrial and trade policy support across Cameroon, Chad, Comoros, Madagascar, and Togo, aiming to strengthen AfCFTA implementation.

UNESCO World Heritage Milestone for Comoros: The 48th UNESCO World Heritage Committee session in Busan added 25 new sites worldwide and marked a historic first for Comoros, with the country securing its first-ever inscription(s) on the World Heritage List as part of a broader push to better represent underrepresented regions and Small Island Developing States. Air Connectivity Boost: Madagascar and Comoros have restored direct air links after a four-year hiatus, with flights resuming on the Antananarivo–Mahajanga–Moroni route twice weekly, expected to lift passenger mobility and tourism ties. Local Water Crisis in Moroni: Residents in Moroni continue to struggle with water shortages, with supplies arriving only every few weeks and often for about an hour, forcing people to queue for tanker deliveries at steep prices. Regional Development Funding: The African Development Fund approved a $3.48m grant to support industrialisation and trade policy frameworks in five countries including Comoros, aiming to strengthen AfCFTA implementation. Energy Conference in Moroni: Registration is open for the 11th African Rift Geothermal Conference (19–24 Oct 2026) in Moroni, focused on unlocking geothermal potential for sustainable development.

UNESCO World Heritage: The 48th UNESCO World Heritage Committee session in Busan has inscribed 25 new sites for 2026, bringing the total to 1,273 properties worldwide, with Comoros winning its first-ever listing—an historic milestone for the islands and a boost for Africa and Small Island Developing States. Heritage in danger: The committee also placed six sites on the World Heritage in Danger list, using emergency procedures for threatened places including sites in conflict-affected regions. Local impact: For Comoros, the news lands alongside fresh reporting on daily life in Moroni, where residents continue to queue for water as taps run dry and supply can be erratic. Regional development: Separately, the African Development Fund approved a $3.48 million grant for industrialisation and trade policy support across five countries including Comoros, aiming to strengthen AfCFTA implementation.

UNESCO World Heritage Milestone for Comoros: The 48th UNESCO World Heritage Committee session in Busan has inscribed 25 new sites worldwide, including Comoros’ historic medinas of the historic sultanates—an achievement that marks the archipelago’s first World Heritage listings and brings the global total to 1,273 sites across 173 countries. Heritage Under Pressure: UNESCO also placed six properties on the List of World Heritage in Danger, underscoring how conflict and instability can threaten cultural and natural landmarks. Comoros Water Crisis in Moroni: In Moroni, residents say water shortages are worsening—taps may run only every few weeks, pushing people to queue for tanker deliveries and pay rising prices. Regional Development Funding: The African Development Fund approved a $3.48 million grant to support industrial and trade policy work in Comoros and four other countries, aiming to strengthen AfCFTA implementation with climate, gender, and SME-focused planning. Geothermal Conference Call: Registration is open for the 11th African Rift Geothermal Conference in Moroni (19–24 October 2026), bringing together policymakers and investors to advance geothermal development.