Since independence from France in 1975, the Comoros have had as many as 18 coups and attempted coups, several of them led by a French mercenary, Bob Denard.

Years of instability have left the islands desperately poor and unable to capitalise on picture-postcard beaches that could develop an economy-boosting tourist industry.

The latest crisis began in August 1997, when the people of the island of Anjouan chose to break away from the main federation, complaining of economic neglect by the government in Moroni - capital of the main island, Grand Comore.

Their resentment was fuelled by the relative prosperity of the island of Mayotte which had opted, in 1976, to remain part of France. But France did not want Anjouan back.

Bob Denard: Leader of past coups

Troops from Grande Comore landed on Anjouan's palm-fringed beaches to try to prevent its secession, only to be swiftly and humiliatingly repelled.

The Organisation of African Unity attempted, unsuccessfully, to mediate an end to the trouble.

The death of President Muhammad Taki last November led to hopes that the crisis might be resolved.

But it was followed almost immediately by fighting between rival separatist groups on Anjouan - and the crisis rumbled on.

Over the past few weeks, anger has also been growing over the failure of the now-deposed interim President, Tadjidine Ben Said Massounde, to organise new elections.

The apparent trigger for the latest coup was peace talks held under the auspices of the Organisation of African Unity in Madagascar last week to try to end the 19-month separatist rebellion.

An agreement was signed granting greater autonomy to both Anjouan and the other Comoran island, Moheli.

The archipelago was to be re-named the Union of Comoran islands, and to have a rotating presidency.

But Anjouan said it needed to consult its people before signing. The deal also sparked violent demonstrations on Grande Comore, targeting people originally from Anjouan, who began fleeing the island in their hundreds.

Soldiers of Anjouanese origin form the bulk of the Comoran army, and they are reported to have put pressure on the military high command to act to protect their families.