Comoros President Azali Assoumani Injured in Knife Attack During Funeral

• Sep 14, 2024

In a shocking incident on Friday afternoon, Comoros President Azali Assoumani was slightly injured in a knife attack during a funeral, according to government officials. The attack took place around 2 p.m. (1100 GMT) in Salimani Itsandra, a town located just north of the capital, Moroni.

Fatima Ahamada, the government spokesperson, confirmed to Reuters that President Assoumani sustained minor injuries from the knife attack. "His injuries are not serious, and he has returned home," she stated. The president was attending the funeral of a prominent sheikh when the attack occurred, though the motive behind the assault remains unclear.

The assailant, identified as Ahmed Abdou, a former policeman in his twenties, had gone on leave just two days before the attack. Local sources revealed that Abdou was apprehended immediately after the incident and placed in custody. However, during a press conference on Saturday, Ali Mohamed Djounaid, Comoros' public prosecutor, announced that Abdou was found deceased in his cell the following morning. "An investigation is underway to determine the motive of the attack and the cause of his death," Djounaid added.

Energy Minister Aboubacar Said Anli also addressed the incident, assuring the public that President Assoumani was in good health and out of danger. "A few stitches were given," Anli said during a press conference in Moroni on Saturday, emphasizing that the president has no ongoing health issues.

The attack has sent shockwaves through the nation, raising concerns about the security of high-profile leaders in Comoros. President Assoumani, who was sworn in for a fourth term in May following a contentious January election, has faced opposition claims of voter fraud, which officials have denied. The recent assault adds to the tense political climate in the archipelago nation.

Authorities are diligently investigating the circumstances surrounding the attack and the subsequent death of the attacker. The president’s safety protocols are likely to be reviewed in light of this event to prevent future incidents. Meanwhile, the public remains vigilant as the nation grapples with the implications of this unexpected violence.

Source: Reuters