Morpheus

From English Learning for Curious Minds | A More Interesting Way To Learn English

#617 | Bob Denard: The Mercenary Who Ruled the Comoros (English Listening Practice)

Published
June 18, 2026
Length
25:10

Audio is streamed from the publisher.

Show notes

✨ The Speaking Challenge - Starts 28th September - https://dripl.ink/1l2uE Registration closes at 23:59 on Sunday, 27th September. -- In 1975, a French mercenary landed in the Comoros, a chain of small islands off East Africa, and decided he was going to run the place. Bob Denard staged four coups, converted to Islam, built a farm, and controlled the country from the shadows for over a decade. It was a story of Cold War deals, shifting loyalties, and one last coup that ended his run. Location and poverty of the Comoros Islands French rule and 1975 independence under Ahmed Abdallah First coup by French mercenary Robert Denard Denard's mercenary past and French Africa links Ali Soilih's radical rule and the Moissy youth militia 1978 coup restores Abdallah and Soilih killed Denard becomes Comorian farmer and leads Presidential Guard 1989 power struggle and suspicious death of Ahmed Abdallah 1995 final coup and French Operation Azalee intervention Denard's trial and death in 2007 Full interactive transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/bob-denard --- You might like: 🔓 Unlock bonus episodes, interactive transcripts, subtitles & vocabulary lists ✨ 5 Powerful Tips for Learning English with Podcasts (Faster & Effectively!) [YouTube] 📹 A look inside Leonardo English membership 📧 Join our FREE weekly newsletter --- Keywords: Learn English, vocabulary, lessons, idioms, aprende inglés, idiomas, aprender inglês, apprendre l'anglais, imparare l’inglese, ingilizce öğren,英語を習う, تعلم الإنجليزية