Two Paralympians from the Republic of Congo, Mireille Nganga and Emmanuel Grace Mouambako, have disappeared after competing in the Paris Games. They were last seen at the athletes’ village in Saint-Denis on Sept. 5, but their disappearance was only reported two days later. An investigation was opened by French officials into their disappearance, as well as that of Mouambako’s sighted guide Sharon Victor Loussanga. Nganga, a shot putter with a leg impairment, and Mouambako, a visually impaired sprinter, were the only athletes representing Congo in Paris.
Nganga led her country’s team during the opening ceremonies as the flag bearer on Aug. 31, entering the Stade de France with the Republic of Congo’s flag strapped to her wheelchair. The three athletes competed at the stadium on Sept. 4, with Nganga participating in the shotput and javelin events, while Mouambako placed fourth in the Men’s 100m. They did not attend the closing ceremonies on Sept. 8. Suitcases belonging to the athletes were missing from the village, but their passports remained with the delegation members. Investigators are considering the possibility of voluntary disappearance or defection, along with other potential factors in the case.
In addition to the Congolese athletes, several other participants in the Paralympic Games have also disappeared in recent days. Rwandan volleyball player Claudine Bazubagira went missing before the opening ceremony after going out to dinner in a Paris suburb and never returning. The vice president of the Eritrean Olympic Committee was reported missing after leaving the village, and Cuban judoka Dayle Ojeda disappeared before the Olympics opening ceremonies, only to resurface in Spain later on. Ojeda expressed relief and anticipation for a new beginning, now looking forward to competing for Spain in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The disappearance of the Congolese Paralympians has raised concerns and drawn attention to the issue of athletes going missing during international competitions. The French authorities and the Paralympic community are focused on unraveling the circumstances surrounding their disappearance, while also reflecting on similar cases involving other missing athletes. The situation highlights the vulnerabilities and uncertainties faced by athletes from developing countries, as well as broader issues related to migration and asylum-seeking in the context of sports competitions.
The missing athletes from the Republic of Congo have sparked debates and discussions on safeguarding the well-being and rights of athletes, particularly those with disabilities, in international sporting events. The incident has underscored the need for improved security measures, support systems, and communication protocols to prevent and address cases of athletes going missing. It has also shed light on the challenges and pressures faced by athletes, as well as the complex dynamics at play in the world of sports. The focus now remains on finding the missing Paralympians and ensuring their safety and well-being, while also working towards addressing the broader issues and concerns raised by their disappearance.
