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President Saïd Mohamed Sheikh (1904-1970)

President Saïd Mohamed Cheikh (1904–1970) was a central figure in the modern political history of the Comoros, serving as President of the Governing Council of the Comoros Archipelago from 1961 until his death in 1970. Originally a medical doctor trained in Madagascar, he became the first Comorian elected to the French National Assembly in 1945. As head of government during the period of internal autonomy, Cheikh played a pivotal role in modernizing the islands' administrative infrastructure, transferring the capital from Dzaoudzi (Mayotte) to Moroni (Grande Comore) in 1962, and laying the groundwork for the territory's transition toward eventual independence. To honor the late statesman following his death, the postal administration of the Comoros Archipelago (Archipel des Comores) issued a commemorative airmail stamp series in 1971. Printed by Delrieu (DELRIEU), this 20-franc issue features a photogravure portrait of Président Saïd Mohamed Cheikh (1904–1970) wearing a traditional fez (kofia), suit, sash, and official insignia, paying tribute to his influential political leadership and national legacy.