Comoros President Survives Knife Attack During Funeral

President of Comoros Azali Assoumani sustained minor injuries after being attacked with a knife during a religious leader’s funeral on Friday.

According to the president's office, Assoumani's injuries were not serious, and he returned home following the incident.

Security forces quickly apprehended the attacker, who is currently in custody, though no further details about the assailant or the circumstances of the attack have been disclosed.

Local media outlet "Habari za Comoros" reported that the soldier responsible for the knife attack succumbed to injuries sustained during the incident.

In addition, a civilian was wounded while trying to protect the president, according to government minister Abubakar Said Anli.

Assoumani, 65, has faced political challenges since his re-election as President of Comoros in January.

The election, which was heavily contested by opposition parties, has been marred by claims of fraud. At least one person was killed in the unrest that followed the disputed elections.

A former military officer, Assoumani first took power in 1999 through a coup. He served as president from 2002 to 2006 and was re-elected in 2016.

In a controversial move, he extended his presidency for a fourth term this year after a constitutional change that eliminated term limits and abolished the system where the presidency rotated among the three main islands of Comoros.

His administration has faced accusations of suppressing opposition and banning peaceful protests. 

The island nation, located off the eastern coast of Africa, has a tumultuous political history, with over 12 coups or coup attempts since gaining independence from France in 1975.