Guide Note

Mohamed Bacar is the former president of Anjouan, an island in the Union of Comoros. He is also the island's former chief of police.

Fast Facts

1. Born May 5, 1962
2. Birthplace: Barakani, Anjouan
3. Studied in France and the United States
4. Led the formation of a separatist government in 2001
5. Studied in Brest, France

Key Dates

1. 2001: Led a military coup on Anjouan
2. 2001-2008: President of Anjouan
3. 2002: Won presidential election
4. 2007: Removed from the presidency
5. May 11, 2007: Elections scheduled

Elections were scheduled for May 11, 2007, but were canceled by the African Union over fears of pre-election irregularities and intimidation. Bacar printed his own ballots and held the election in defiance of the African Union and government of Comoros. He won by a landslide and declared himself president once again.

Comoros, in conjunction with the African Union, immediately imposed sanctions on the island until February, 2008, at which time Comoros decided to pursue military action. The Anjouan Invasion began on March 24, 2008, with the intent of removing Bacar from power. He soon fled, seeking asylum on the French island of Réunion, where he was arrested and sentenced to three months in prison for illegally bringing weapons into the country.