AGP Executive Report

UNESCO Heritage Boost for Comoros: UNESCO has inscribed six ancient medinas in the Comoros—centuries-old sultanate towns on Indian Ocean trading routes—on the World Heritage List, with Comoros culture minister Said Mohamed Ali Said calling it a “starting point” for protecting living communities that still pray, trade and celebrate, even as many structures fall into serious disrepair. SADC Payments Upgrade: South Africa and Angola announced the kwanza will join the SADC RTGS system, aiming to make cross-border transactions cheaper and faster; Comoros is the only SADC member not yet participating. Comoros in Regional Travel Lists: South Africa’s eVisa eligibility list for selected African countries includes Comoros, while Lebanon’s visa-on-arrival policy for tourists also lists Comoros among eligible nationalities. Maritime Security Alert: The US says it disabled the Comoros-flagged M/T Lavine after repeated attempts to breach Iran’s naval blockade, firing into the engine room after warnings went unheeded. Football Transfer with Comoros Link: Tanzania’s Young Africans (Yanga) signed Comoros defender Housseine Zakouani ahead of the 2026/27 season.

UNESCO Heritage Boost for Comoros: UNESCO has inscribed six centuries-old medinas in the Comoros—historic sultanate towns along Indian Ocean trade routes—on the World Heritage List, the first Comoros sites to receive the honor. Culture & Preservation: The living medinas include palaces, mosques, squares and narrow streets dating back to the 12th century, but many structures are in serious disrepair; the culture minister called the listing a “starting point” that brings both obligations and new protection opportunities. Regional Context: The announcement came during UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee meeting in Busan, alongside other new global sites, including Tunisia’s Sidi Bou Said. Maritime Security: Separately, US forces disabled the Comoros-flagged M/T Lavine after repeated attempts to breach the Iran blockade, firing into its engine room.

UNESCO Heritage: Six centuries-old medinas in the Comoros—living towns of palaces, mosques and narrow streets from as far back as the 12th century—have been added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List, with the culture minister calling it a “starting point” and warning that the heritage is fragile but now opens doors for protection. Maritime Security: US forces disabled the Comoros-flagged M/T Lavine after repeated attempts to breach the Iran blockade in the Gulf of Oman, firing into its engine room; the incident comes as Iran and the US trade strikes and warnings. Sanctions Evasion Watch: A new report says Iranian and Russian “shadow fleet” tankers rely on fake websites that impersonate African maritime authorities and registries (including Comoros) to generate false documents and flag registrations. Regional Mobility: Lebanon has listed Comoros among African countries eligible for tourist visa-on-arrival, while Antigua and Barbuda and Panama also published visa-free country lists that include Comoros.

UNESCO Heritage Boost for Comoros: UNESCO has inscribed six centuries-old medinas in the Comoros—historic sultanate towns once tied to Indian Ocean trade—on the World Heritage List, with the government calling it a “starting point” for protecting fragile, in-need-of-restoration sites that are still home to daily life, prayer and trade. Regional Culture & Tourism: The new listing raises hopes for preservation and support, while spotlighting Grande Comore and Anjouan medinas, including Moroni’s Friday Mosque area near the dhow port. Maritime Security: US Central Command says it disabled the Comoros-flagged M/T Lavine after repeated attempts to breach a blockade near Iran, firing into the engine room. Sports (Comoros in the spotlight): Comoros defender Housseine Zakouani has signed for Tanzania’s Young Africans (Yanga), strengthening their squad for the 2026/27 season.

UNESCO Heritage: UNESCO has added six centuries-old Comoros medinas to the World Heritage List, with palaces, mosques, squares and narrow lanes dating back to the 12th century and still home to residents—though many buildings are in serious disrepair. Culture & Preservation: Comoros culture minister Said Mohamed Ali Said called the move a “starting point,” saying the listing brings obligations but also “opens doors” for protecting fragile, living towns that still pray, trade and celebrate as ancestors did. Regional Context: The announcement came alongside UNESCO’s other World Heritage updates worldwide, including expanded protection for Korea’s tidal flats and new listings such as Tunisia’s Sidi Bou Said. Maritime Security: In the Gulf of Oman, US forces disabled a Comoros-flagged vessel after repeated attempts to breach Iran-related blockade rules, firing into its engine room while warning the crew.

UNESCO Heritage: Six centuries-old Comoros medinas—once historic sultanates on Indian Ocean trade routes—were added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List in Busan, with the government calling it a “starting point” for protecting living towns where people still pray, trade and celebrate, even as many buildings fall into serious disrepair. Maritime Security: The US says it disabled the Comoros-flagged M/T Lavine in the Gulf of Oman after repeated attempts to breach an Iranian blockade, firing into the engine room after warnings went unheeded. Football Transfers: Comoros defender Housseine Zakouani has joined Tanzania’s Young Africans (Yanga) ahead of the 2026/2027 season, bringing experience from France and Saudi Arabia to a title-chasing squad. Travel Access (Comoros): Lebanon’s visa-on-arrival list includes Comoros, but entry requires a return/onward ticket, proof of accommodation and at least $2,000 in funds.

Football (Comoros abroad): Young Africans (Yanga) have signed Comoros defender Housseine Zakouani from Saudi club Al Zulfi, adding experience and versatility as they chase the 2026/2027 season title and CAF Champions League ambitions. Medical tourism (regional health push): Tanzania’s Benjamin Mkapa Hospital is set to become a “Medical Tourism Village” in the next decade, with plans to expand specialist care, equipment, digital health and training to attract patients across Africa. Governance & elections (SADC): SADC announced an observer mission to Zambia’s 13 August 2026 general election, with long-term observers scheduled to run from late July into August. Travel access (visa-free lists): Panama published an official visa-free entry list for nine African countries including Comoros, allowing up to three months without a visa. Corruption watch (regional governance): Botswana’s anti-corruption efforts are flagged as deteriorating in the 2026 Ibrahim Index, with Comoros also named among the sharpest declines. Maritime security (sanctions enforcement): Guyana reiterated efforts to protect its ship registry from fraudulent registrations amid global sanctions enforcement discussions.

CAF Football Politics: Patrice Motsepe says FIFA president Gianni Infantino has been “loyal to Africa” and “loyal to me,” fueling fresh claims that CAF’s leadership is closely aligned with FIFA’s power structure after the 2026 World Cup. Justice Watch: UN member states at the ICC are set to vote on removing chief prosecutor Karim Khan, in a historic first tied to long-running misconduct allegations and his push for war-crimes warrants. Travel Access for Comorians: Lebanon lists Comoros for tourist visa-on-arrival (one month) if travellers show return tickets, accommodation proof, and $2,000 means. Caribbean Visa-Free Lists: Antigua and Barbuda confirms Comoros among 24 African countries eligible for visa-free entry in 2026, and Panama lists Comoros for visa-free stays up to three months. Governance & Corruption: Botswana’s anti-corruption slide is highlighted in the 2026 Ibrahim Index, with Comoros named among the countries showing the sharpest deterioration since 2016. Maritime & Security: Kenya advances its National Maritime Security Strategy after an IMO-supported workshop, focusing on inter-agency coordination and new risks like cyber threats and underwater infrastructure.

CAF Football Politics: Patrice Motsepe says FIFA boss Gianni Infantino has been “loyal to Africa” and “loyal to me,” fueling fresh claims that CAF’s leadership is closely tied to FIFA’s power structure. Comoros Mobility & Travel: Lebanon’s visa-on-arrival list for tourists includes Comoros, with entry tied to a return ticket, accommodation proof, and at least $2,000 cash. Regional Elections Watch: SADC announced an observer mission to Zambia’s 13 August 2026 general election, with refresher training for observers set for 1–4 August. Governance & Corruption: Botswana’s anti-corruption slide is highlighted by the Ibrahim Index, with the report warning of “increasing deterioration” since 2021—Comoros is named among the worst movers. Maritime Security: Kenya is advancing its National Maritime Security Strategy after an IMO-supported workshop, focusing on domain awareness, coastal community roles, and new threats like cyber and underwater infrastructure. Comoros-China Ties: China’s AU mission met Comoros’ representative, reaffirming support and cooperation under the Global Governance Initiative.

CAF Football Politics: Patrice Motsepe says FIFA boss Gianni Infantino has been “loyal to Africa” and “loyal to me,” fueling fresh claims that CAF is closely aligned with FIFA’s leadership. Comoros & Mobility: Lebanon’s visa-on-arrival list for 2026 includes Comoros, but entry still depends on return ticket, accommodation proof, and at least $2,000. Regional Travel Links: Antigua and Barbuda and Panama both published 2026 visa-free lists that include Comoros, keeping the islands connected to wider travel routes. Governance & Integrity: A new Ibrahim Index update flags Botswana’s anti-corruption slide as “increasing deterioration,” placing it among countries with the sharpest worsening since 2016—alongside Comoros. Maritime Security: SADC announced an observer mission to Zambia’s 13 August 2026 election, while separate reporting highlights growing focus on maritime security and sanctions enforcement. Tech & Finance: MEXC, based in Mutsamudu, announced new leadership appointments and awards tied to digital asset access and compliance.

Visa Access for Comorians: Lebanon has listed Comoros among 13 African countries eligible for a tourist visa on arrival, with a one-month stay and clear entry conditions like a return/onward ticket, accommodation proof, and at least $2,000. Travel Links Across the Region: Antigua and Barbuda also includes Comoros on its 2026 visa-free list, while Panama says Comorian citizens can enter visa-free for up to three months. Comoros in China-AU Talks: China’s AU mission head, Ambassador Jiang Feng, met Comoros’ Permanent Representative Assoumani, reaffirming long-standing ties and support for deeper cooperation. Digital Assets Compliance in Comoros: MEXC announced the appointment of Robert MacDonald as Chief Compliance Officer to lead its global compliance and regulatory strategy. Passport Power Watch: A new Henley Passport Index update shows India’s passport access has edged up to 81st in 2026, with visa-free access to 55 destinations.

Visa-on-arrival for Comoros travellers: Lebanon has listed 13 African countries eligible for a one-month tourist visa on arrival, including Comoros, with entry tied to a return/onward ticket, proof of accommodation, and at least $2,000 in cash or a bank cheque. Regional mobility: Antigua and Barbuda published its 2026 visa-free list for 24 African countries, also including Comoros, while Panama’s 2026 visa-free list allows Comoros citizens to stay up to three months. Maritime security focus: China’s AU mission head Jiang Feng met Comoros’ AU representative Assoumani, reaffirming cooperation as Comoros seeks deeper ties. Governance and integrity: A new Ibrahim Index report flags Botswana’s worsening anti-corruption trend and places Comoros among countries with the steepest deteriorations since 2016. Digital finance update from Comoros: MEXC, based in Mutsamudu, released its July Proof of Reserves report, claiming overcollateralisation across major crypto assets.

Comoros-China Diplomacy: China’s AU mission chief Jiang Feng met Comoros’ permanent representative Assoumani, reaffirming long-standing friendship and support, and discussing deeper cooperation under China’s Global Governance Initiative. Regional Mobility for Comorians: Antigua and Barbuda published its 2026 visa-free list that includes Comoros, while Panama also confirmed Comoros among African countries eligible for visa-free entry for up to three months. Visa Rules Across the Region: France set student visa fees for Nigerians and other African applicants at 50 euros for a defined country group that includes Comoros; Hong Kong’s updated visa-free list gives different African stay periods by nationality. Maritime Security Watch: A report on Russia’s “shadow fleet” highlights how tankers reflag under African registries to dodge sanctions—raising pressure on shipping oversight. Local Relevance: South Africa’s visa-free policy for African travellers lists Comoros for up to 90 days, a key update for Comorian travellers planning trips.

SADC Summit Readiness: Comoros readers will want this local angle: Durban’s Inkosi Albert Luthuli ICC complex is set for an R11.9 million upgrade to its ablution facilities ahead of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s August visit for the 46th SADC summit, plus a SADC industrialisation week running July 27–31. Visa Links for Comoros Passport Holders: Antigua and Barbuda published its 2026 visa-free list for 24 African countries, including Comoros, while Panama’s 2026 visa-free list also includes Comoros with a 3-month stay limit. Diplomacy in the AU: China’s AU mission head, Ambassador Jiang Feng, met Comoros’ Permanent Representative Assoumani, reaffirming deep ties and support for cooperation under China’s Global Governance Initiative. Maritime Security Watch: A report on Russia’s “shadow fleet” flags how African shipping registries are being targeted to help evade sanctions—an issue that matters for regional maritime integrity. Comoros in the Visa-Free Mix: South Africa’s visa-free policy list includes Comoros for up to 90 days, reinforcing easier travel across the region.

Maritime Security: Russia is reportedly using African shipping registries to reflag and hide its “shadow fleet” of tankers, helping it keep moving sanctioned oil and petroleum products despite Western embargoes. Diplomacy: Russia says it is close to opening new embassies in The Gambia, Togo and the Comoros, pending technical steps. Travel & Visas: France has published student visa fees for Nigerians and other African applicants, while Hong Kong, Tunisia, DR Congo, India, Jamaica, South Africa, Zambia and Ethiopia all released updated visa-free or eVisa/visa-on-arrival lists for African travellers. Regional Governance: Kenya is advancing its National Maritime Security Strategy after an IMO-backed workshop, focusing on coastal safety, inter-agency coordination and new threats. Comoros-China Ties: The Chinese AU mission met Comoros’ permanent representative, reaffirming cooperation under China’s Global Governance Initiative.

Diplomacy & Regional Ties: China’s AU mission head, Ambassador Jiang Feng, met Comoros’ Permanent Representative Assoumani, reaffirming deep friendship and support for Comoros-China cooperation. Visa & Mobility for Comorians: Tunisia published a 2026 visa-free list that includes Comoros for up to 90 days, while South Africa’s visa-exemption policy also lists Comoros for 90 days—useful updates for travel planning. Education & Language Links: A new roundup highlights where French is official or co-official, noting Comoros as a co-official language country alongside Arabic and Comorian. Maritime Security: Kenya is advancing its National Maritime Security Strategy after an IMO-backed workshop, focusing on coordination, coastal safety, and emerging threats. Digital Economy: Comoros-based MEXC released its July Proof of Reserves report, claiming overcollateralization for major assets.