Gunfire shakes in the Comoran capital Moroni as opposition and government clash

Gunfire was heard on Thursday in the Comoran capital capital, Moroni, near the main military base in the city a security, said media reports.

Camp Kandani is the main base for the military in the small East African island nation.

The gunfire rocketed Moroni following the arrest of Colonel Soilihi Mohamed, who came fourth in Sunday's poll which the opposition said was rigged by the government.

Comoros held an election on Sunday in which the ruling party reportedly won the elections, whose results was rejected by the opposition.

According to media reports, Interior Minister Mohammed "Kiki" Daoudou confirmed that gunfire was heard first near a military base in Moroni. He insisted that the situation was "under control".

Following the crackle of gunfire around the Kandani base, civilians deserted the streets of the capital and police fired teargas, reported AFP.

Arrested’s transitional council is backed by all 12 of the defeated presidential candidates.

"There is major confusion here. A dozen or so heavily armed men tried to seize a barracks following the arrest of the colonel (Soilihi Mohammed). There was also gunfire in town, but not much and it died down quickly," said a source from the coup-prone nation.

His transitional council is backed by all 12 of the defeated presidential candidates and has pledged to manage a "peaceful transition".

Comoros is a politicly volatile political country. Since independence in 1975, it has witnessed more than 20 attempted coups, four of which were successful.

Following the disturbances, protesters took to the streets of Moroni's northern TP district and the presidential palace at Itsandra was locked down.

Earlier today, police broke up a women's protest march and arrested 12 demonstrators. 

Azali came to power in a coup. He ruled the country from 1999 to 2006 and was re-elected in 2016.

The opposition has rejected Azali's victory.