France holds Comoros rebel leader amid angry protests

0 Comments | AFP, March, 2008

MAMOUDZOU, Mayotte (AFP) — Comorans staged angry anti-French protests Thursday as France decided whether to give ousted rebel leader Mohamed Bacar asylum after he fled to its Indian Ocean territory of Mayotte.

Bacar was to be flown from Mayotte to another French possession, Reunion, on Thursday and could face legal action, French government officials said.

Bacar arrived in Mayotte in a speed boat on Wednesday after Comoran and African Union troops staged a joint invasion of Anjouan island to depose him.

In the Comoros capital of Moroni, security forces used tear gas to disperse 1,000 people trying to march on the French embassy demanding that Bacar be sent back to face trial to face charges of torturing opponents.

Groups of youths made new attempts...