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 properly and has been reunited together with his spouse Jocelyn and their youngsters, Australia Overseas Minister Penny Wong mentioned in an announcement on Friday.
“We prolong our because of the Australian officers who’ve labored over a few years to safe Dr Elliott’s launch and to offer help to his household,” Wong mentioned.
Elliott and his spouse have been kidnapped by insurgent fighters in northern Burkina Faso in January 2016 close to 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 within the Islamic Maghreb mentioned it had kidnapped the couple and launched the girl unconditionally due to public stress and steering from leaders to not contain girls in struggle.
Wong mentioned the Elliott household had requested for privateness, “and we ask that the media respect their needs presently”.
The physician’s household issued an announcement by way of the overseas ministry thanking all those that had “continued to wish for us”.
“We categorical our reduction 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 house, Dr Elliott now wants time and privateness to relaxation and rebuild energy. We thanks on your understanding and sympathy.”
I’m more than 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 properly 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
