- Comoros presidential attacker found dead in prison cell, investigation launched
- President Azali Assoumani recovering well after knife attack at funeral, minor hand injury
- Motive behind attack unclear, authorities identify attacker as 24-year-old soldier Ahmed Abdou
The individual who attacked Comoros President Azali Assoumani with a knife during a funeral on Friday has been discovered dead in his prison cell, according to authorities.
National Prosecutor Ali Mohamed Djounaid revealed that the attacker, identified as 24-year-old soldier Ahmed Abdou, was found lifeless on the floor of his cell on Saturday morning. “A doctor declared him dead. An investigation has been launched to determine the cause of his death,” Djounaid stated during a press conference in Moroni.
President Assoumani, 65, suffered minor injuries in the attack, with Energy Minister Aboubacar Saïd Anli confirming that he is “doing well” and “out of danger” after receiving stitches for his hand injury.
The motive behind the attack remains unclear, but authorities are investigating. Witnesses reported seeing the attacker in the room where mourners were paying respects to the deceased, before he stabbed the president and was subdued by another attendee.
President Assoumani has faced controversy in the past, including allegations of authoritarianism and disputed elections. He first rose to power in a military coup in 1999 and was re-elected last January amidst claims of ballot stuffing and deadly protests.
The incident has raised concerns about security and stability in the Indian Ocean archipelago. An investigation into the attacker’s death and the circumstances surrounding the attack is ongoing.
