African Union troops are set to launch a major offensive against a renegade leader of one of the three islands that make up the Union of Comoros Islands. Mohammed Bacar remained president of Anjouan island after winning elections last year declared illegal by the central government of Comoros. AU envoy Francesco Madeira told the BBC troops had taken up strategic positions and were set to begin their operation.
Tanzania, Sudan, Senegal and Libya have all provided troops for the mission. Few details are available but some media reports suggest the offensive may already be under way.
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He said the mission of the forces is to take over the island, home to some 300,000 people, and they have taken positions to ensure they effectively counter resistance from allies of Mr Bacar.
A history of political violence has left the Comoros desperately poor. At times, the country has teetered on the brink of disintegration, amid tensions between the semi-autonomous islands and the central government.