The general manager of Hotel Novotel Abidjan has been found murdered, following a two month-long intense search by authorities from France and the Ivory Coast.
Stéphane Frantz di Rippel was kidnapped from the hotel on April 4 during armed clashes between rival political factions in the Ivory Coast capital, Yamoussoukro.
Di Rippel’s body, along with an unidentified corpse, was found in a lagoon in the city on Wednesday. Several militia were arrested last month in connection with the kidnappings.
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In a statement, Accor SA expressed sadness and grief over the ordeal and said the company was committed to supporting di Rippel’s family.
Accor CEO Denis Hennequin said in a statement: “I am deeply shaken and shocked by this revolting murder. My first thoughts go to our employee’s children, family and loved ones. The group will provide them with all the necessary support at this painful time.
“This has been a tremendous shock for all of our employees, who have constantly sent messages of support from around the world since the kidnapping,” he added.
Three hotel guests were also taken in the raid, but there has been no report of their whereabouts.
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