The Government claimed that at least one soldier was beaten to death. Several nongovernmental organizations visited the island following the incursion, but have not issued any statements or published any reports that shed light on the nature of the fighting. There were no reports of politically motivated disappearances. There were no substantiated reports of torture or other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment. There were press reports that soldiers tortured people in Anjouan during demonstrations in March.
Credible sources confirm that individual soldiers committed excesses.
Prison conditions continued to be poor. A lack of proper sanitation, overcrowding, inadequate medical facilities, and poor diet are common problems. The Government has not taken action to remedy these problems. The 1996 Constitution prohibits arbitrary arrest and imprisonment. It does not specify a time limit between arrest and appearance before a magistrate.