Assassination attempt on Comoros' President Assoumani at funeral

An attempted assassination on President Azali Assoumani of Comoros occurred on Friday during the funeral ceremonies for the Grand Sheikh. The former colonel was stabbed in the head by a young soldier. The attack is most likely a result of the immense tensions surrounding the president since the May elections.

The President of the Union of Comoros, 65-year-old Azali Assoumani, was injured in the head during an attack by a young soldier armed with a knife — government spokeswoman, Fatima Ahamada, informed on Friday. She added that the assailant had been apprehended.

Assoumani was injured on Friday in Salimani Itsandra, a town north of the capital Moroni, where he participated in the funeral of the Grand Sheikh of Comoros.

The assassination attempt on Assoumani is most likely the result of the immense tension currently experienced by the inhabitants of Comoros. Assoumani is a controversial figure surrounded by many controversies and tensions. Particularly noteworthy for the president's opponents is the fact that a young soldier carried out the attack.

Former Colonel Azali Assoumani came to power in 1999 after a military coup. In May this year, he was sworn in for a fourth term following January’s elections, which, according to his opponents, were rigged, leading to two days of bloody riots.

The Union of Comoros, located in the Indian Ocean off the eastern coast of Africa, consists of three islands: Grande Comore, Anjouan, and Moheli. It has approximately 870,000 inhabitants, among whom there are still many vehement opponents of the current government.

President Azali Assoumani was slightly injured by a knife while attending a funeral. His injuries are not serious — added the government spokeswoman.