Saudi Arabia condemns assassination attempt against Comoros president

Saudi Arabia condemned in the strongest terms yesterday the attempted assassination of Comoros President Azali Assoumani. The president of the Indian Ocean island nation was injured slightly in a knife attack while attending the funeral of a well-known religious leader on Friday.

According to reports, the attack took place in Salimani Itsandra, a town just north of the capital Moroni, at approximately 2pm local time. Government spokesperson Fatima Ahamada told Reuters that, “President Assoumani’s injuries are not serious, and he has returned home.”

The attacker, identified as 24-year-old soldier Ahmed Abdou, was arrested by security forces. He was found dead the next day in his police cell. National prosecutor Ali Mohamed Djounaid told a press conference, “An investigation has been launched to determine the cause of his death.”

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#Statement | The Foreign Ministry expresses the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's condemnation and denunciation in the strongest terms the assassination attempt on H.E. President Azali Assoumani of the Union of the Comoros. pic.twitter.com/XlRdSlFrpK

— Foreign Ministry 🇸🇦 (@KSAmofaEN) September 15, 2024

Witnesses reported that the attacker managed to injure the president’s hand before being stopped by mourners. Energy Minister Aboubacar Saïd Anli, speaking at the same press conference, assured the public that the 65-year-old president was “doing well” and not in danger, having required only “a few stitches.”

Saudi Arabia condemned the attack through its foreign ministry and expressed support for the stability and security of Comoros. The Kingdom also wished President Assoumani a speedy recovery and offered prayers for the continued prosperity of the Comorian people.

The motive for the attack remains unclear, but the authorities are continuing their investigation. President Assoumani, who first came to power in a 1999 military coup, was re-elected for a fourth term in May, following a contested election. Despite political tensions, Assoumani’s government maintains that the country remains stable in the wake of this latest incident.

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