France has established a foothold in Comoros,…

France has established a foothold in Comoros, but the acquisition of the other islands proceeds fitfully.

At times the French are spurred on by the threat of British intervention, especially on Nzwani, and at other times, by the constant anarchy resulting from the sultans' wars upon each other.

In the 1880s, Germany's growing influence on the East African coast adds to the concerns of the French.

Not until 1908, however, will the four Comoro Islands become part of France's colony of Madagascar and not until 1912 will the last sultan abdicate.

Then, a colonial administration will take over the islands and establish a capital at Dzaoudzi on Mahore.

Treaties of protectorate status mark a transition point between independence and annexation; such treaties are signed with the rulers of Njazidja, Nzwani, and Mwali in 1886.