Comoros President Injured in Knife Attack; Suspect Found Dead in Cell

Comoros President Azali Assoumani was slightly injured in a knife attack at a funeral. The suspect, Ahmed Abdou, was arrested but later found dead in police custody. The incident highlights ongoing political tensions in the country led by Assoumani, who has faced controversy and unrest following his re-election.

The president of Comoros, Azali Assoumani, sustained minor injuries during a knife attack at a funeral for a religious leader. The attack occurred in Salimani, near the capital Moroni. The suspected assailant, a 24-year-old soldier named Ahmed Abdou, was arrested at the scene but was later found dead in his police cell after being taken into custody. Public prosecutor Ali Mohamed Djounaid confirmed that Abdou used a kitchen knife during the incident, which also injured a civilian attempting to intervene.

Comoros, an archipelago nation in the Indian Ocean, has experienced political instability characterized by numerous coups since its independence from France in 1975. President Azali Assoumani, previously a military officer, has been in power since 1999, and was re-elected in a controversial election earlier this year. He has faced criticism for suppressing dissent and eliminating constitutional term limits, leading to heightened tensions in the country.

In summary, President Azali Assoumani was slightly injured in a knife attack linked to a soldier who was later found dead in custody. This incident underscores ongoing political unrest in Comoros, where the president faces challenges relating to his controversial governance and previous election disputes, reflecting the nation’s turbulent political landscape.

Original Source: halifax.citynews.ca