Journalist feared killed for exposing corruption in Africa

[seemslikeadream]

Missing reporter stirs trouble on three continents

Journalist feared killed for exposing corruption in Africa

Rory Carroll in Abidjan
Sunday June 6, 2004
The Observer

On a visit to the port city his French wife, Osange Silou, told the Associated Press: "I hope to get very precise replies as to where he is if he is still living, or where his corpse is if he is dead."

The pro-government press claims he is alive and in hiding as part of an attempt to destabilise the President. But few expect to see the father of three again. Immigrants in Abidjan's shanty towns know too well the military's adeptness at making perceived enemies of the state disappear. A leaked UN report said at least 20 people vanished during disturbances in March.

After pressure from President Jacques Chirac and the Canadian government the Ivorian authorities are claiming progress: Kieffer's car was found at Abidjan airport and Michel Legré, a brother-in-law of Simone Gbagbo, the President's wife, has been charged with complicity in kidnapping and murder.

He has allegedly named eight accomplices, including Aubert Zohore, director of the Finance Minister's office, Patrice Bailly, the presidential security chief, and Pastor Moïse Koré, the presidential 'spiritual adviser'. All deny any involvement. But there is no sign of a breakthrough.

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http://www.guardian.co.uk/westafrica/story/0,13764,1232419,00.html