Comoros returned 28 gold bars to Madagascar on Friday, finally resolving a dispute that had strained relations between the two countries.
The gold, which weighed 49 kilograms (108 pounds), was confiscated at Comoros' main airport in 2021 from the luggage of three individuals preparing to fly to Dubai. The discovery revealed a smuggling operation that connected Madagascar with the Comoros, located about 800 kilometres (500 miles) apart.
The investigation led to the swift repatriation of two of the suspects, both from Madagascar, who faced trial in their home country.
In addition, five Comorian nationals, including a former airport director and a customs officer, were arrested and sentenced to jail in 2022 for their involvement in the illegal operation.
Despite these arrests, the Comoros had withheld the seized gold, prompting Madagascar to suspend both air and sea links with its neighbour in protest.
A joint statement from both governments confirmed the gold’s return, marking the end of the diplomatic dispute.
"Legal proceedings and diplomatic exchanges initiated between the two countries have enabled the competent... authorities, to proceed today with the repatriation of these bars to Madagascar," the statement read.
The statement further expressed that the repatriation demonstrated the "good neighbourly relations and cooperation" between the two countries, underscoring their shared commitment to combatting illegal trafficking between them.
