Moroni, Comoros – Comoros President Azali Assoumani was lightly wounded in a knife attack on Friday, according to a statement from the government spokesperson. The assailant has been apprehended.
The incident occurred around 2 p.m. local time in Salimani Itsandra, a town near the capital Moroni. A local source confirmed the attack to Reuters.
“President Azali Assoumani sustained minor knife injuries during the funeral of a prominent religious figure. His injuries are not severe, and he has returned to his residence,” government spokesperson Fatima Ahamada stated.
The motive behind the attack remains unclear. A local source reported that the attacker is a former police officer in his twenties.
In May, Assoumani was inaugurated for his fourth term in office following a contentious January election that his opponents allege was marred by voter fraud.
