The mercenary coup

Opposition to Ahmed Abdallah's rule was considerable both within his party and outside it. As all party politics were banned, the opposition was necessarily low-key.

After a generally unpopular tenure as leader of the country, on 27 November 1989 President Ahmed Abdallah was killed by members of his armed forces. Even though the acting president, Said Mohammed Djohar, was required to hold an election within 40 days, real power remained in the hands of Denard and his mercenaries.

In December 1989, Denard surrendered to French forces and left the island. Subsequent elections in March 1990 saw Said Mohammed Djohar become president for a six-year term with 55.1% of the vote.