Comoros president injured in knife attack

Comoros President Azali Assoumani was injured in a knife attack while attending a funeral near the capital, Moroni, according to government sources. Despite the alarming nature of the incident, officials report that the President’s life is not in danger.

Fatima Ahamada, a government spokeswoman, confirmed that President Assoumani was “slightly injured” in the attack but has since returned home. The attacker has been apprehended, though his identity has not been officially disclosed. Early reports suggest the suspect may be a young military officer.

The stabbing occurred as President Assoumani was at the funeral of a religious leader. Witnesses, who spoke to AFP, reported seeing the attacker in the room where attendees were paying their respects. The assailant is said to have wounded the President’s hand before being subdued by one of the mourners.

The motive behind the attack remains unclear. There has been no official statement on why the attack was carried out, and investigations are ongoing.

President Assoumani’s political career has been marked by significant controversy. He initially seized power in a military coup in 1999. After a decade out of office, he won a contested presidential election in 2016. His re-election in January 2024 was marred by allegations of electoral fraud, including ballot stuffing, which sparked two days of violent protests.

Accusations of increasing authoritarianism have followed Assoumani throughout his presidency. His tenure as president of the African Union from 2023 to 2024 was also met with scrutiny and criticism.

The Comoros government is expected to provide further updates as the investigation into the attack progresses.