Dr. Kenneth Elliott was taken captive in northern Burkina Faso in 2016 alongside together with his spouse, who was launched shortly after their abduction.
An 88-year-old Australian physician held captive in West Africa for greater than seven years has been launched and safely returned to his household, the Australian authorities has introduced.
Kenneth Elliott, from the west coast metropolis of Perth, is secure and nicely and has been reunited together with his spouse Jocelyn and their youngsters, Australia International Minister Penny Wong mentioned in a press release on Friday.
“We lengthen our because of the Australian officers who’ve labored over a few years to safe Dr Elliott’s launch and to offer assist to his household,” Wong mentioned.
Elliott and his spouse had been kidnapped by insurgent fighters in northern Burkina Faso in January 2016 near the border with Mali and Niger, the place that they had operated a 120-bed medical clinic for greater than 40 years.
Jocelyn Elliott was freed after three weeks.
Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb mentioned it had kidnapped the couple and launched the girl unconditionally due to public stress and steerage from leaders to not contain ladies in battle.
Wong mentioned the Elliott household had requested for privateness, “and we ask that the media respect their needs right now”.
The physician’s household issued a press release by means of the overseas ministry thanking all those that had “continued to wish for us”.
“We specific our aid that Dr. Elliott is free and thank the Australian authorities and all who’ve been concerned over time to safe his launch,” the household mentioned.
“At 88 years of age, and after a few years away from residence, Dr Elliott now wants time and privateness to relaxation and rebuild power. We thanks to your understanding and sympathy.”
I’m very happy to advise that Dr Kenneth Elliott has been launched after greater than seven years in captivity in West Africa.
Dr Elliott is secure and nicely and has been reunited together with his spouse Jocelyn and their youngsters.
Thanks to Australian officers who secured his launch.
— Senator Penny Wong (@SenatorWong) May 19, 2023
