Le Figaro senior reporter Margot Behn was awarded the Albert-Londres prize

This Monday, November 28th, Margot Ben won the Albert-Londres Award, and it will surprise no one. There are natural things. Some are born to be chefs, pilots or gardeners watching trains go by. Margot is on earth to be a great reporter. The multilingual and brilliant young woman could easily have prepared a quiet and comfortable destiny for herself as an international senior civil servant, but she chose a routine of storm and dust. Undoubtedly, he himself does not really know why. That’s it, that’s all.

In another era, when Albert Londres’ daughter created this distinction in 1933 on behalf of her father, who had just died, Margot wouldn’t have stood a chance. Contrasting the image of a female, globe-trotting journalist. Margot doesn’t wear fatigues, doesn’t have a heavy voice, and never talks about her exploits. “She has the air of a perpetually sweet and almost naive little girl. He’s not really like that at all. He’s very determined.”emphasizes Véronique de Viger, a photographer who worked with him in Afghanistan and Ukraine.

It is her papers, always sensitive and fragmented, on this conflict that make Margot Benin the winner of the 84th Albert-Londres Prize. From the very first days, he fell into the besieged Kiev, not really worrying about the risks, even though everyone imagined that the city would be flooded with Putin’s bombs very quickly. The capital is barely saved, it will follow the hell where it is, in Kharkiv or Zaporizhia. He is going to tell from this confident and alert pen the everyday life of the citizens who are suddenly taken over by such an anachronistic war in the heart of this 21st century Europe, the courage of ordinary men who suddenly turn into soldiers to defend their country. . “What struck me the most was the incredible spirit of resistance and solidarity of the Ukrainians, both in terms of strength, organization and efficiency. And all this, often with a mixture of determination, humor, intelligence and courage..

Risks taken “cover” this has collapsed into violence, he says nothing. “He’s not afraid of much except not being there when needed.”, assures his friend Alison Sargent. The two women met ten years ago at the Sciences-Po School of Journalism. In addition, Margo already dreams of returning to the path she already knows well.

He belongs to this generation that knows how to do it all, multitasking with talent

Veronique de Viguerie, a photographer who worked with him in Afghanistan and Ukraine

Although he was born in Landes in 1988, he first grew up in Ottawa, Canada, his father’s country. He only returned to France at the age of 11 and to Toulouse during his teenage years. This dual culture naturally led him to study first in Scotland at the University of St Andrews and then at Sciences-Po. Between the two, he found a year to land in Khartoum to have his first experience in journalism. He would quickly travel to Africa, the Central African Republic, a country then torn apart by militia violence. Absolute hatred does not move him. He describes it with distance and humanity for AFP, on video and in written English New York Times. He also does radio. “He belongs to this generation that knows how to do it all, multitask with flair.”evaluates Véronique de Viger.

Margaux is inevitably noticed. It would be AFP who offered him a permanent contract as a videographer in the Nicosia office. Many would see the holy grail there. But he feels this stability like a professional coffin. “By not writing, I lost all self-confidence. » He resigns and leaves. It remains to choose the destination. He oscillates between the “known lands” of Africa and the high seas. It will be Afghanistan. “I saw her arrive at our shared apartment in Kabul and immediately knew that behind her shy exterior was a strong being.”recalls Solen Chalvo Fioriti, a journalist at the time Set free. Margo, her, contacts Le Figaro. “The first one who gave me a chance”.

“Giant Mankind”

“Margo intended to settle down in a simple apartment in the Afghan neighborhood and live modestly wearing a burqa when she went out. We were not completely relaxed, but decided to participate in his adventure, not knowing what to expect.”, explains Patrick Saint-Paul, editor-in-chief of the daily’s international service. He won’t regret it. Very quickly, Margot’s talent became apparent. “ He has tremendous humanity. He is genuinely interested in people and never allows himself to get caught up in the darkness of things, even in extreme violence.admires his friend Solen.

It is this humanity that this Albert-Londres Award, the 84th of the name, salutes today. So Margaux Benn is part of a long history Figarobecoming the 17th journalist to receive this award, more than any other. “Margot has mastered all the media of our time and at the same time represents tradition Figaro, never resisting the call of the field and the desire to be a privileged witness to history. The taste of the report is anchored in his gut. That is why we are proud that he has decided to settle in international service Figarobringing to it the essential renewal that guarantees our future”claims Patrick Saint-Paul.

This 84th edition also honored Alexandra Jusset and Ksenia Bolchakova for their film Wagner: Putin’s Shadow Army (France 5, Capa Presse) and Victor Castanet for his book The gravediggers (Editions Fayard).