In Abidjan, all the political and business circles know or have heard of "Ben", as he's known. The 50-something from northern Mali is often spoken of in hushed tones, as if he were a secret everyone must keep to themselves, as if this mysterious man and his networks could make or break contracts, reputations and links with the presidential families in the region. On the banks of the Ebrié Lagoon, Ben Moctar Maouloud, his full name, is involved at once in construction and diplomacy, the supply of
