‘Comoros president is no longer at risk’ following knife incident, ministry confirms

President Azali Assoumani of Comoros is now considered safe following a knife attack on Friday by a 24-year-old police officer. The officer was subsequently found deceased in his cell the next day, according to officials on Saturday.

The assault took place at approximately 2 p.m. local time (1100 GMT) on Friday in Salimani Itsandra, a town located to the north of the capital city of Moroni. The progress of the president is satisfactory. Currently, he is in good health and free from any potential risks.

“Several sutures were administered,” confirmed energy minister Aboubacar Saïd Anli during a news conference in Moroni on Saturday.

According to the presidency, Azali was assaulted while he was present at a funeral. The purpose for the attack remains undetermined.

Ahmed Abdou, the perpetrator, took a leave of absence on Wednesday before to coordinating the assault on Friday.

Abdou was confined to a designated cell subsequent to his apprehension. “Furthermore, on Saturday morning, investigators discovered him lying on the ground, his body devoid of life,” stated Ali Mohamed Djounaid, the public prosecutor of Comoros, during a second news conference.

An inquiry is now underway to ascertain the purpose for the attack and the cause of his death, he said.

Assoumani was inaugurated for a fourth term in government in May, after a contentious January election that his adversaries said was marred by poll irregularities. Government officials refute the accusations.