Mercenaries In Full Control In Comoros

Foreign mercenaries and army rebels who toppled the Comoros government were reported firmly in control Saturday as life edged back toward normal in the island chain off Africa’s east coast.

With increasing desperation, the overthrown government and an opposition party appealed for international help in driving out the mercenaries. But none appeared forthcoming.

Mercenaries led by Bob Denard, a 66-year-old Frenchman, seized power Thursday and captured the president. On Friday, they announced they had formed a military committee to rule the country temporarily. They said they planned free elections.