Ahmed Abdallah vs Ebrahim Raisi

Ahmed Abdallah became the first president of the independent Comoros after the islands declared independence from France. He led the country through its early years of statehood.

Abdallah was overthrown in a coup led by Ali Soilih just one month after independence. He went into exile in France, but returned to power later.

Abdallah returned to power in a coup led by French mercenary Bob Denard, overthrowing the regime of Ali Soilih. He became president again, ruling with an iron fist and relying on Denard's mercenaries.

Abdallah was assassinated during a coup led by Bob Denard, who had been his security chief. The assassination occurred in his presidential office, and Denard briefly took control of the country.

Raisi was a member of a special commission that ordered the execution of thousands of political prisoners in 1988. This event, known as the 1988 Mass Executions, has been widely condemned as a crime against humanity.

Ebrahim Raisi won the 2021 presidential election in a low-turnout vote, succeeding Hassan Rouhani. His victory consolidated hardline control over all branches of government in Iran.

Under Raisi, Iran continued to enrich uranium to near-weapons grade, stalling negotiations to revive the 2015 nuclear deal. This led to increased sanctions and tensions with the West.

Raisi was killed in a helicopter crash in May 2024 in northwestern Iran, along with Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian. The crash occurred in bad weather, and his death triggered a period of national mourning.