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Article: The strangest invasion in history? was the assault on Anjouan island really necessary or was it a convenient and easy face-saving victory for AU peacekeepers? Tom Nevin examines the evidence.(COMOROS)
- Article from:
- African Business
- Article date:
- May 1, 2008
- Author:
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It was one of the strangest invasions in history; it was probably also the most unnecessary. The attackers were a detachment of Comoros government soldiers backed by 1,350 African Union (AU) peacekeeping troops. Their target was the island of Anjouan where rebel leader Colonel Mohamed Bacar had taken the island out of the Comoros Union after what the central government described as a "bogus election".
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As a flag-waving opportunity for the AU, however, it was irresistible. Following lacklustre performances in Darfur and Congo the AU as a keeper of the peace was in serious need of a victory--as much to boost its own sagging morale as ...