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Comoros President Azali Assoumani Injured In Knife Attack At Funeral

FILE PHOTO: Chairperson of the African Union and Comorian President Azali Assoumani attends a press conference during the "Compact with Africa" investment summit in Berlin, Germany, November 20, 2023. REUTERS/Liesa Johannssen/File Photo

Comoros President Azali Assoumani was injured in a knife attack while attending a funeral near the capital, Moroni, according to government officials. A government spokeswoman, Fatima Ahamada, confirmed that the president sustained minor injuries but assured the public that his life was not in danger. He has since returned home following medical treatment.

The attack occurred during the funeral of a religious leader, where mourners had gathered to pay their respects. Witnesses reported seeing the attacker, believed to be a young military officer, enter the room dressed in a robe. The assailant reportedly injured the president’s hand before being subdued by one of the attendees.

The motive behind the stabbing remains unclear, and the attacker has been arrested. Authorities have not yet publicly confirmed the suspect’s identity.

President Azali, who first came to power through a military coup in 1999, returned to office in 2016 after a decade-long hiatus following a contested election. He was re-elected in January 2024 amid allegations of ballot stuffing and protests. His presidency has faced criticism for increasing authoritarianism. Azali also served as president of the African Union from 2023 to 2024.

Further details regarding the investigation are awaited.

Melissa Enoch