A senior secessionist leader on Anjouan, one of the Comoro islands, has been released from jail by the Comoran authorities.

The man, Ahmed Charikane, had been detained since February.

President Mohamed Taki told the French newsagency that his release was intended to promote unity.

Earlier, secessionists in Anjouan rejected a suggestion that they might join the new government announced on Saturday.

An aide to President Taki had said that a prime minister had not been named in the hope that a secessionist would be given the post once reconciliation has been achieved.

Anjouan and the neighbouring island of Moheli declared themselves independent from the rest of the Comoros last year.