There have been clashes between rival militias on the breakaway island of Anjouan in the Comoros.

Reports say at least five people were killed in the fighting between forces loyal to the main separatist leader, Foundi Abdallah Ibrahim, and his long-standing political rival, Chamassi Said Omar.

The clashes followed an assassination attempt on Mr Abdallah -- the second in just over a week.

The authorities on the main island of Grand Comore held an emergency meeting to discuss the situation and called on the Organisation of African Unity and France to intervene to end the conflict.

Anjouan declared its independence from Grand Comore last year.