President Azali Assoumani of Comoros was injured in a knife attack on Friday, according to government officials, though his injuries are reported to be minor. The incident took place in Salimani-Itsandra, a district near the capital, Moroni, while the president was attending a funeral.
Government spokeswoman Fatima Ahamadael confirmed the attack, stating, “The head of state was victim of an attack in Salimani-Itsandra,” an area on the outskirts of the capital Moroni. “Thank God, his life is not in danger,” she added.
However, sources close to the presidency revealed that Assoumani, 65, was slightly wounded by a knife during the attack. “His injuries are not serious,” the source said, adding that the attacker was arrested.
Another source said the president had received medical care and was no longer in danger. The attacker, described as a young gendarme recruited in 2022, was taken into custody following the assault.
Azali Assoumani, a former military ruler who first came to power in a coup in 1999, was re-elected in January in a vote that sparked controversy and deadly protests. His administration has faced accusations of growing authoritarianism in recent years.