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It suffers from extensive social and economic problems, including high rates of illegal immigration from neighbouring Comoros and poor-quality housing and public services.

"Just recently 25 people perished doing the same journey, usually transiting through Comoros and Madagascar. Generally this year has been the deadliest year for migrants," he says.

The man who was arrested for attacking the Comoros president with a knife on Friday has been found dead in prison, the authorities there say.

In February it started in Madagascar, then spread to Tanzania and Comoros.

The privately owned Comoros Infos website reported "insider collusion" as having facilitated the escape.