On July 28, 2025, in Mutsamudu, Anjouan, Comoros, The Collectif du Patrimoine des Comores, the Comoros Heritage Collective association, officially launched the project “Rehabilitation and Enhancement of the Ujumbé Royal Palace” under the distinguished patronage of the Governor of Anjouan and the Mayor of Mutsamudu. This event marks the formal commencement of activities under the implementation partnership agreement signed between the Collectif du Patrimoine des Comores and UNESCO, with generous support from the Ministry of Culture of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Held at the Mutsamudu City Hall, Anjouan, Comoros, this official ceremony not only marked the launch of this large-scale initiative—scheduled to continue through June 2026—but also inaugurated two major initial actions: the 8th restoration campaign of the Ujumbé Royal Palace and the 2025 training worksite. These efforts aim to safeguard the integrity and authenticity of the Ujumbé, restore its vitality, and promote sustainable local development through the valorization of this significant cultural asset.

Hosted by Mayor Mr. Amri Elarisse Mohamed and presided over by the President of the Collectif du Patrimoine des Comores, Ms. Fatima Boyer, the event was honored by the presence of H.E. Youssouf Zaidou, Governor of the Island of Anjouan, accompanied by his Chief of Staff and the Delegate for Heritage. Also in attendance was H.E. Caambi Elyachorutui, Ambassador of the Union of the Comoros to Madagascar and the first Coordinator of the Collectif du Patrimoine. The ceremony welcomed many distinguished guests, including former mayors, local dignitaries, religious leaders, senior civil servants, and representatives of civil society. All active members of the Collectif du Patrimoine des Comores—Ms. Oumratti Anli Oicheikh (Coordinator), Mr. Souondi Youssouf (Liaison Officer), and Mr. Mouayad Pounam (Treasurer)—were fully mobilized for the occasion.

Serving as master of ceremonies, Mr. Missoubahouddine Ben Ahmed, Director of the CNDRS in Anjouan and a member of the Collectif, introduced the program and formally presented the new Project Director, Mr. Saindou Kamal’Eddine, before giving the floor to the Mayor for his welcoming address. In his remarks, Mayor Amri Elarisse affirmed the municipality’s full support for the project and pledged to actively contribute to its success—beginning with concrete actions to improve the cleanliness of the medina and implement urban development measures to enhance the city’s broader historical heritage.

Speaking on behalf of the visiting technical experts, Ms. Cornelia Cione—heritage conservator specializing in painted decoration—shared remarks alongside her colleagues Ms. Tessa Pirillo, conservator of architectural decoration, and Mr. Peter Barry, conservation architect for built heritage. They are currently undertaking a joint preparatory technical mission ahead of the restoration campaign. Ms. Cione conveyed the team’s gratitude and commitment to supporting the inscription of the Historic Sultanates’ Medinas of the Comoros on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

In her concluding statement, Ms. Fatima Boyer, President of the Collectif du Patrimoine des Comores, reaffirmed the strategic significance of this new phase and the 2025 restoration campaign. She welcomed the clear commitment demonstrated at the highest level of the Comorian State, notably through the validation by H.E. Azali Assoumani, President of the Union of the Comoros, of the nomination dossier for submission to UNESCO. She also expressed optimism for the project's future, following the recent visit of Governor Dr. Zaidou Youssouf and the Secretary-General of the Government, Mr. Nour El-Fath, to the Ujumbé Royal Palace—an important opportunity for dialogue with the Collectif du Patrimoine des Comores and its experts regarding the forthcoming restoration campaign and it’s implementaton in partnership with UNESCO.