(Photo: CGTN)

The African Union (AU) has called for an urgent resumption of peace talks in Comoros, where a political crisis has sparked violence.

Clashes between security forces and armed opposition protesters on the island of Anjouan have resulted in the deaths of at least two people, with dozens others injured.

“The President of the Commission stresses the need for the rapid resumption of inter-Comorian dialogue and its development in a spirit of inclusivity, sincerity and good faith. He urges all political actors to put the interest of their country above all other considerations, and reiterates the commitment of the African Union to accompany the Comoros to overcome the current challenges,” a statement from the AU on behalf of the AU Commission chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat read in part.

The crisis began in July's constitutional referendum, which ended the rotation policy of the presidency between the three main islands of the Comoros.

The opposition boycotted the vote which they saw as an illegal power grab by President Azali Assoumani – who can now run for office again.

Assoumani ruled Comoros in 1999 to 2002 and again from 2002 to 2006.His third stint began in May 2016.