Azali Assoumani was born on January 1, 1959, in Mitsoudjé, a village on Grande Comore, the largest island of the Comoros. Coming from an ordinary family, he showed a strong sense of discipline and responsibility from a young age. In pursuit of higher education and a career, he chose to join the military. He underwent military training in France and studied at a French military academy, specializing in command and strategy. This experience made him a well-trained professional officer and laid the foundation for his rapid rise within the Comorian military.
Following Comoros' independence, the country faced political instability. Azali quickly rose to prominence due to his exceptional military capabilities, eventually becoming the top commander of the Comorian Armed Forces and playing a key role in national security.
Azali's political career began in 1999 with a bloodless coup. At that time, Comoros was in a state of political crisis due to internal conflict and economic difficulties. As the commander of the armed forces, he ousted then-President Tadjidine Ben Said Massounde, taking over power and pledging to restore order and unity.
In 2002, Azali formally won the presidential election, marking his first legitimate ascension to national leadership. During his first term (2002–2006), he focused on promoting national unity and political reforms, addressing the long-standing divisions in the country. He also engaged with the international community to secure aid and stabilize the national economy.
In 2006, Azali stepped down from the presidency as required by the constitution, peacefully transferring power. This peaceful transition of power was rare in Comoros' history and earned him a degree of international recognition.
In 2016, Azali returned to politics and won the presidential election, once again becoming the President of Comoros. During his second term, he focused on economic development, strengthening infrastructure, and improving education and healthcare systems. However, he sparked controversy in 2019 by pushing through a constitutional amendment that allowed presidential re-election and abolished the previous system of rotating the presidency among the islands. This move granted him greater power.
In 2019, Azali was re-elected as President despite criticism from opposition parties about the electoral process. His leadership style became more centralized, and he placed greater emphasis on consolidating national sovereignty. In economic and foreign policy, he sought to attract foreign investment, especially strengthening ties with Middle Eastern countries and China.
On January 14, 2024, amid opposition boycotts, Azali won the presidential election with 62.97% of the vote, beginning his third presidential term.
Azali Assoumani was born on January 1, 1959, in Mitsoudjé, a village on Grande Comore, the largest island of the Comoros. Coming from an ordinary family, he showed a strong sense of discipline and responsibility from a young age. In pursuit of higher education and a career, he chose to join the military. He underwent military training in France and studied at a French military academy, specializing in command and strategy. This experience made him a well-trained professional officer and laid the foundation for his rapid rise within the Comorian military.
Following Comoros' independence, the country faced political instability. Azali quickly rose to prominence due to his exceptional military capabilities, eventually becoming the top commander of the Comorian Armed Forces and playing a key role in national security.
Azali's political career began in 1999 with a bloodless coup. At that time, Comoros was in a state of political crisis due to internal conflict and economic difficulties. As the commander of the armed forces, he ousted then-President Tadjidine Ben Said Massounde, taking over power and pledging to restore order and unity.
In 2002, Azali formally won the presidential election, marking his first legitimate ascension to national leadership. During his first term (2002–2006), he focused on promoting national unity and political reforms, addressing the long-standing divisions in the country. He also engaged with the international community to secure aid and stabilize the national economy.
In 2006, Azali stepped down from the presidency as required by the constitution, peacefully transferring power. This peaceful transition of power was rare in Comoros' history and earned him a degree of international recognition.
In 2016, Azali returned to politics and won the presidential election, once again becoming the President of Comoros. During his second term, he focused on economic development, strengthening infrastructure, and improving education and healthcare systems. However, he sparked controversy in 2019 by pushing through a constitutional amendment that allowed presidential re-election and abolished the previous system of rotating the presidency among the islands. This move granted him greater power.
In 2019, Azali was re-elected as President despite criticism from opposition parties about the electoral process. His leadership style became more centralized, and he placed greater emphasis on consolidating national sovereignty. In economic and foreign policy, he sought to attract foreign investment, especially strengthening ties with Middle Eastern countries and China.
On January 14, 2024, amid opposition boycotts, Azali won the presidential election with 62.97% of the vote, beginning his third presidential term.
