Foundi Toihir Said Maulana, the Mufti or highest spiritual leader of the Comoros, announced the president's death on state radio.

East Africa Correspondent Cathy Jenkins: "Troubled rule"

Comoros radio and television have been broadcasting solemn music and soldiers are guarding key buildings and locations.

Mr Taki's body is reported to have been taken to his home village, where crowds have been gathering.

The succession and details of the burial are due to be announced later.

Presidential aides were quoted as saying Mr Taki died at the presidential palace in the capital, Moroni, only hours after returning from a visit to Turkey and Spain.

Mr Taki, 62, became president in March 1996, succeeding Said Mohamed Djohar, who had been ousted from power six months earlier in a coup led by the French mercenary, Bob Denard.

Last year, Mr Taki was involved in efforts to resolve the secession of the island of Anjouan which has been seeking to return to French rule.