Political tensions dent Comoros energy ambitions

Indian Ocean nation hopes to repeat the offshore successes of neighbouring Mozambique

The Comoros has been called "the Perfume Islands" for centuries due to its success at cultivating the rare ylang-ylang essential oil, but exploration activity suggests the tiny volcanic archipelago could soon become better known for less-sweet smelling commodities—oil and gas. After a series of false starts, at the end of 2018 the Indian Ocean archipelago nation—made-up of Anjouan, Moheli and Grande Comore—edged closer to actual hydrocarbon exploration after Tullow Oil agreed to take a share in offshore Blocks 35, 36 and 37. The deal, given government consent, would see Discover Exploration, an African-based E&P company, acquire the entire share capital from current partner Bahari Resour