The UAE has vehemently condemned the stabbing incident that targeted Azali Assoumani, the President of the Union of the Comoros, resulting in his injury. The UAE conveyed its heartfelt sympathy regarding this unfortunate event.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed the UAE's solidarity with the President's family, as well as with the government and people of the Union of the Comoros, and extended its sincere wishes for a swift and complete recovery.
Moreover, the Ministry reiterated that the UAE unequivocally condemns such criminal and extremist acts and steadfastly rejects all forms of violence.
President Azali Assoumani is reported to be 'out of danger' after sustaining injuries in a knife attack on Friday. The assailant, a 24-year-old policeman named Ahmed Abdou, was found dead in his cell the following day, according to officials.
The attack took place around 2 pm local time (1100 GMT) on Friday in Salimani Itsandra, a town just north of the capital Moroni. Energy minister Aboubacar Saïd Anli stated at a press conference in Moroni on Saturday that 'The president is doing well. He has no health problems, he is out of danger. A few stitches were given.'
Azali was attacked while attending a funeral, as confirmed by the presidency. The motive behind the attack remains undetermined.
Abdou had gone on leave on Wednesday before carrying out the attack on Friday. He was placed in a cell after being taken into custody. However, 'this Saturday morning, when investigators went to see him, they found him lying on the ground, his body was lifeless,' said Ali Mohamed Djounaid, Comoros' public prosecutor, at a separate press conference.
An investigation is underway to ascertain the motive of the attack and the cause of Abdou's death.
In May, Assoumani was sworn in for a fourth term in office following a contentious January election, which his opponents allege was marred by voter fraud. Officials have denied these allegations.
