
France coach Didier Deschamps has clarified statements made by Rayan Cherki following France's 2-1 defeat to Ivory Coast. Cherki, an attacking midfielder for Manchester City, had stated that France would not go to the World Cup as "favorites" but to "crush everyone." Deschamps explained that Cherki's comments were misunderstood and did not express contempt for other nations. According to Deschamps, Cherki meant that the team would do everything to go all the way in the competition. The coach also emphasized the importance of group stage matches, naming Senegal, Iraq, and Norway as France's first three opponents. Deschamps' clarification aims to quell a budding controversy and highlight France's serious approach to their first World Cup match, showing respect for Senegal as their initial challenge in the pursuit of a new world title.
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Must ReadDeputy Naya Jarvis Zamblé has proposed a national debate on reintroducing the death penalty in Côte d'Ivoire for heinous crimes, sparking significant reactions within the political class. This follows the violent murder of a motorcycle delivery driver in Cocody II Plateaux, which caused widespread shock after a video of the attack circulated on social media, highlighting concerns about insecurity and crime. The alleged perpetrators have been apprehended by the Research and Intervention Brigade BRI. Zamblé stated, "I think it is time to open a real debate on the re-establishment of the death penalty in Côte d'Ivoire for the perpetrators of the most heinous crimes." Her stance has fueled discussions among politicians, civil society organizations, and the public. While some believe stricter penalties could deter criminal acts, others emphasize the legal, ethical, and international implications of potentially reinstating capital punishment. The incident underscores growing questions about judicial responses to violent crimes and how to enhance citizen protection. The investigation into the murder continues.
Must ReadUS President Donald Trump is reportedly considering officially backing FIFA President Gianni Infantino to succeed António Guterres as United Nations Secretary-General at the end of the year. This move could displease former Senegalese President Macky Sall, who is also a candidate for the same position and has the support of the African Union and the current Senegalese executive. According to a White House source cited by the New York Post, Trump believes the 56-year-old Italian-Swiss leader "is respected by the whole world" and possesses "a special ability to bring people together." Their rapport reportedly developed during the organization of the 2026 World Cup, where Infantino showed considerable deference to the American president, even awarding him FIFA's first "Peace Prize." This unexpected candidate, sponsored by Washington, could undermine Macky Sall's plans, especially as Africa and Latin America are advocating for their turn in the geographical rotation for the multilateral organization's leadership. An European candidate supported by Washington could also weaken the African strategy within the Security Council. To secure the position, a candidate must obtain approval from the 15 members of the Security Council, where the five permanent members hold veto power, before being confirmed by the General Assembly. Other international figures, such as former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet and Argentinian Rafael Grossi, current Director General of the IAEA, are also con
Must ReadNgagne Demba Touré, the former Director General of Société des mines du Sénégal Somisen, stated that a mining audit he initiated was suspended on the instruction of the highest authority of the state. Touré, who was recently dismissed from his position, revealed that the audit, launched in June 2024, aimed to analyze the state's shares in mining companies. He claims the audit identified several gold mining companies where the state receives only 10% of the profits, including Sabodala Gold Operation, Petowal Mining Company, Sored-Mines, Afrigold, Managem-Boto, and Makabingui Gold Operations. Touré's remarks were made as he handed over his responsibilities to his successor, Mady Touré.