Comoros President Azali Assoumani was wounded in a knife attack while attending a religious leader’s funeral near Moroni.
The attacker, reportedly a young military officer, injured the president’s hand before being stopped by a mourner. President Azali, who first came to power in 1999 through a military coup, has faced allegations of authoritarianism.
The motive for the stabbing remains unclear, and the attacker has been arrested. Despite being slightly injured, Comoros President Azali Assoumani life is not in danger, according to a government spokeswoman. The incident occurred during a period of political tension after a disputed election in 2016, which led to deadly protests.
President Azali, who won a fourth term in a disputed poll, has been accused of growing authoritarianism. He served as the president of the African Union between 2023 and 2024. The knifeman’s identity has not been publicly confirmed, but reports suggest he is a young military officer.
The Africa Climate Summit was co-hosted by the Government of Kenya and the World Bank. Various African presidents attended, including President Azali.
The incident highlights the political challenges faced by leaders in the region. It also shows the need for continued efforts to guarantee stability and security.
