In 1996 a new government severely eroded the autonomy of the islands of the archipelgo. This led to large, violent demonstrations in the Island of Anjouan. A separatist group on the island declared independence and a small force of troops was sent from the main island to restore order, however they were defeated. A new constitution guaranteeing island autonomy (with supervision by the central government) was approved in 2001 and since 2003 the conflict has been declared terminated.