Breaking News: France Launches Investigation into Disappearances of 2 Congolese Paralympic Athletes
French authorities have launched an investigation into the mysterious disappearances of two Congolese Paralympic athletes during a training camp in Annecy, a lakeside town in southeastern France. The athletes, Bothuka Koffi Pierre (24) and Mobondo Mputu Marie José (26), vanished on Tuesday evening while shopping for groceries in the nearby city of Thonon-les-Bains.
The Congolese team was in France preparing for the upcoming Paralympic Games in Tokyo when the athletes went missing. French police have begun interviewing teammates and coaches, but so far, there has been no sign of either athlete.
"We are cooperating fully with the French authorities in their investigation and hope for a swift and satisfactory outcome," said Claude Lavallée, head of the Congolese delegation to the Paralympics.
The athletes were both members of the national basketball team and were being hailed as heroes back home. Koffi was set to compete in the javelin throw and mobility throw events, while Mobondo was expected to take part in the high jump.
The disappearances have sent shockwaves through the Congolese athletic community and have sparked outrage in France, with many expressing solidarity with the athletes and their families.
The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has released a statement expressing its deepest concern for the safety of the athletes and promising all necessary support to the investigating authorities.
"We urge all stakeholders to cooperate fully and assist in the search and recovery efforts," said the IPC in a statement. "The IPC remains hopeful that Bothuka and Marie José will be safely found and reunited with their family and friends."
The search for the missing athletes has involved local police, a police helicopter, and numerous volunteer search parties.
Meanwhile, the Congolese community in France has expressed dismay and disbelief at the events, with many holding protests and vigils calling for the safe return of the athletes.
French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin has urged for calm and unity in the face of this grave incident, saying: "We will do everything possible to find the truth about this disappearance and bring Those responsible to justice."
In light of this tragic and alarming incident, here is some additional information you can read:
FAQS ABOUT THE DISAPPEARANCES
- How were the athletes reported missing?
According to eyewitness accounts, both athletes left the athletes’ village in the town of Annecy for a shopping trip on Tuesday evening. They never returned and were reported missing late on Tuesday night.
- Is there any motive or lead in the investigation so far?
At present, authorities have no evidence suggesting that the disappearances were a result of political unrest or any other ideological issues. The investigation is focusing on the possibility that they might have been targeted specifically as athletes or victims of abduction.
- Is anyone responsible for the search operations?
The French police along with local authorities have established an investigation team led by Captain Pierre- Élie Lacoste. Search and rescue operations are still on going, and various stake holders are cooperating and conducting individual searches.
- Did both athletes have similar health challenges?
Yes, according to reports, Bothuka and Marie José, are both Paralympians competing in the athletic section for athletes with cerebral palsy. They faced distinct medical challenges in the area of mobility and accessibility related health issues.
- Could social media be assisting?
Facebook, Twitter and YouTube posts are flooding social networks under the hashtag #FreeMobondoAndPierre urging people to be actively searching for the two paralympians, the people are using a free translation tool to locate as well as sharing local area descriptions and potential areas which are being searched, using location-based information for searching online.
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France investigating disappearances of 2 Congolese Paralympic athletes
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