French probe into missing Congolese Paralympians deepens mystery

French authorities have launched an investigation into the mysterious disappearance of two Congolese athletes who participated in the recently concluded Paralympic Games in Paris. The prosecutor's office in Bobigny, near Paris, confirmed that the proceedings were initiated following a report from the Congolese delegation about the athletes' disappearance.

According to the newspaper "Le Parisien," the athletes involved in the investigation are shot putter Mireille Nganga and visually impaired sprinter Emmanuel Grace Mouambako, who was accompanied by a guide.

Both went missing on September 5. French authorities were notified of the situation two days later.

Their luggage disappeared, while their passports remained with the Congolese delegation, confirmed an official involved in the investigation who requested anonymity due to a gag order on discussing the ongoing case.

The missing athletes were known for their dedication at the Games. As reported by the organizers, Nganga, who did not achieve notable results in the javelin throws and shot put, and Mouambako, served as flag bearers for the Congolese team during the opening ceremony of the Paralympic Games.

French authorities are taking steps to clarify the circumstances of the athletes' disappearance and to determine whether we are dealing with accidental desertion or possibly other, more severe causes. The ongoing investigation leaves many questions unanswered, and the fate of Nganga and Mouambako remains unknown.

This case is attracting significant interest from the media and international sports organizations, who eagerly await further information. The authorities of the Republic of Congo are also involved in the search, hoping for a swift resolution to the disappearance of their citizens. It is also worth noting that this is not the first case of this kind recently.

Other participants in the Games have also gone missing under similar circumstances, including Rwandan sitting volleyball player Claudine Bazubagira and the Eritrean Paralympic Committee vice president.