Vithanage Erandi Kawshalya Madhushani Jade Times Staff
V.E.K. Madhushani is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Africa.
Attacker's Death Sparks Investigation Following Knife Assault on President Azali Assoumani
The man arrested for attacking Comoros President Azali Assoumani with a knife during a funeral on Friday has been found dead in his prison cell, according to authorities.
The incident occurred during a funeral for a well known religious leader, where the attacker injured President Assoumani's hand. National prosecutor Ali Mohamed Djounaid stated that after the man was detained, he was isolated in a cell to calm him down. The next morning, his lifeless body was discovered on the floor of the cell.
"A doctor declared him dead, and an investigation is underway to determine the cause of his death," Djounaid announced during a press conference in Moroni, the capital of the Indian Ocean archipelago.
Energy Minister Aboubacar Saïd Anli, who also attended the press conference alongside other government ministers, assured the public that the 65 year old president is recovering well. "He is doing fine, has no health issues, and is out of danger. A few stitches were given," he said.
The motive behind Friday's attack remains unclear, but authorities are investigating. The knifeman has been identified as a 24 year old soldier named Ahmed Abdou. Witnesses reported seeing the attacker in the room where mourners were paying their respects. He stabbed the president's hand before being subdued by one of the attendees.
President Azali first rose to power in a 1999 military coup. After a decade out of office, he won a controversial election in 2016 and was re elected in January 2023. His presidency has been marred by allegations of election fraud and growing authoritarianism, including ballot stuffing accusations and violent protests following his re election.
