An independence referendum was held on Anjouan, an island in the Comoros, on 26 October 1997.^[1] Over 99% of voters voted in favour of independence. However, the vote was not recognised and the island returned to the control of the Comorian government in 2001.

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Anjouan independence referendum

26 October 1997
Results
Choice Votes  % Yes 135,116 99.68% No 439 0.32% Valid votes 135,555 97.52% Invalid or blank votes 3,444 2.48% Total votes 138,999 100.00% Registered voters/turnout 146,593 94.82%

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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]