The Comorian justice system has ruled: Ahmed Abdallah Sambi, sentenced to life imprisonment, will not be evacuated abroad for health reasons. This decision, announced at a press conference on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, intensifies tensions and public debate surrounding the former head of state's health.

A firm judicial decision in the face of a national debate

The medical and legal saga surrounding Ahmed Abdallah Sambi has taken a new turn. While the former president's health is causing serious concern—even recently leading to the placement of two journalists under judicial supervision—the public prosecutor's office has ruled out any emergency medical transfer.

The Attorney General, Ahamada Hamidou, assured that he would have approved an evacuation if medical recommendations required it, but says that nothing justifies such a measure today.

An expert opinion based on a file, without direct examination

To legitimize this position, the prosecution relied on the intervention of Dr. Saïd Moussa, head of the anesthesia and intensive care unit at El-Maarouf Hospital. He stated that the former president's life was not in immediate danger.

The point of contention: Dr. Saïd Moussa admitted during the press conference that he had never personally examined Ahmed Abdallah Sambi. His analysis is based solely on the study of clinical documents submitted by a panel of five doctors appointed by the court.

Contradictions and recourse to international expertise

This is precisely where the problem lies and where public opinion is inflamed. The team of five doctors on the ground, for their part, concluded that the former head of state presented a high cardiovascular risk . They urgently recommended a coronary angiography , a technical examination impossible to perform in the Comoros due to a lack of suitable equipment.

Dr. Saïd Moussa disputes the immediate need for this examination abroad, believing that local alternatives exist. Faced with this blatant medical disagreement, the authorities have announced a transitional measure:

1. The planned action: To seek arbitration from a foreign doctor or expert firm.
2. The stated objective: To guarantee the neutrality of the process and dispel suspicions of political interference.
3. The unknown factor: No timetable has been given regarding the arrival of this international expertise.

The outrage of relatives

This decision immediately sparked outrage among the former president's family. His daughter, lawyer Tisslame Sambi, expressed her profound indignation at what she considers a denial of assistance, while her father's health continues to deteriorate in detention.