Benin: The film of the Nigerian military intervention that saved Patrice Talon
via SeneNews2 min read
Benin recently faced a coup attempt in Cotonou, which was thwarted with Nigerian assistance. The Nigerian Air Force intervened at the request of the Beninese government, striking strategic targets and deploying troops. Ehimen Ejodamen, spokesperson for the Nigerian Air Force, stated these operations aligned with ECOWAS protocols and regional standby force commitments, highlighting Nigeria鈥檚 dedication to regional security. President Bola Tinubu confirmed ordering combat aircraft into Benin鈥檚 airspace to dislodge coup plotters from the national television station and a military camp. Nigerian troops coordinated with Beninese forces, while the Nigerian Air Force conducted surveillance. President Tinubu noted these actions defended constitutional order in Benin within the ECOWAS protocol on democracy and good governance. ECOWAS announced immediate deployment of soldiers from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, C么te d鈥橧voire, and Ghana to support Benin鈥檚 government and army. The African Union also condemned the coup attempt. Shots were reported near the presidential palace, and military personnel seized the national television station, announcing President Patrice Talon鈥檚 removal. Interior Minister Alassane Seidou and President Patrice Talon confirmed the coup was thwarted, with President Talon stating the situation was under control and wrongdoers would be punished. France condemned the attempt, and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed concern. A dozen soldiers involved have been
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Abdoulaye Fall, president of the Senegalese Football Federation FSF, has ignited widespread controversy following his public statements regarding the national team's doctor, Dr. F茅dior. During a press conference reviewing the 2026 World Cup, Fall claimed he "late discovered" that Dr. F茅dior was a gynecologist and that "the players were not convinced." These remarks have drawn significant attention from international media and social networks, extending beyond internal Senegalese football discussions. Fall's comments have raised questions about the choice of the team doctor and the FSF's operational procedures. Dr. F茅dior, a well-known figure in Senegalese football medicine, has had his competence publicly challenged despite having stated in 2018 that he had extensive experience in sports medicine, beginning with US Gor茅e in 1986, alongside his gynecology specialization. The controversy has led to inquiries about why Dr. F茅dior remained part of the medical staff if his profile was deemed unsuitable for a World Cup, and why his specialization is now being highlighted as a reason for Senegal's performance. Furthermore, Fall's public attribution of the team's difficulties to a member of its medical staff has exposed the FSF's recruitment, validation, and monitoring processes for national delegation officials.
The controversy surrounding Senegal's elimination from the 2026 World Cup continues, with Idrissa Gana Gueye posting an enigmatic message on social media shortly after a press conference by Abdoulaye Fall, president of the Senegalese Football Federation. Fall had justified the decision to part ways with coach Pape Thiaw, criticizing the team's preparation, technical choices, and staff operations. Gueye, who had previously supported Thiaw, did not directly name Fall or Thiaw but hinted at a different interpretation of events. He wrote, "Alhamdoulillah, in all circumstances. Proud of you, guys! But... now, let's talk about it. What do you think? Since the end of the match, I can't find the words or truly understand what happened. I do have my own little idea... And you?" This refers to the match against Belgium, where Senegal led 2-0 until the 85th minute before losing, leading to their World Cup elimination. Gueye's message is expected to fuel further debate on accountability for the failure, suggesting some players may have a different perspective than the Federation.
Must ReadYemen's Houthi rebels launched strikes against Saudi Arabia on Monday, accusing the kingdom of attacking Sanaa's airport, which the Houthis control. This action reignites the conflict after years of relative calm. The internationally recognized Yemeni government, supported by Riyadh, claimed responsibility for the airport attack, stating it aimed to prevent an Iranian plane carrying a Houthi delegation from landing. The delegation was returning from Tehran after attending the funeral of former supreme leader Ali Khamenei. The Yemeni Ministry of Defense stated that "the Houthi terrorist militias supported by the Iranian regime" insisted on allowing an Iranian plane to violate Yemeni airspace, leading to the targeting of the airport runway. Houthi media reported the plane ultimately landed in Hodeidah, a rebel-controlled coastal city. Iran condemned the attack as a violation of Yemen's sovereignty. Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree accused Riyadh of the attack and vowed retaliation. Shortly after, the Saudi-led coalition announced it intercepted ballistic missiles fired by the Houthis in southern Saudi Arabia. Andreas Krieg, a security expert at King's College London, suggested Saudi involvement in the airport attack is more likely given the age and condition of Yemeni fighter jets. The Yemeni government had earlier accused the rebels of preventing an International Committee of the Red Cross ICRC plane from leaving Sanaa airport and detaining its crew, though an ICRC spo