Dr Ken Elliott, the Australian who was kidnapped by an al-Qaida-linked group in Africa in 2016, has been released.
Elliott and his wife, Jocelyn, were in their 80s when they were kidnapped by extremists in Burkina Faso. The Perth couple had lived in the country since 1972 and had built a medical clinic in the northern town of Djibo.
The al-Qaida-linked Emirate of the Sahara released Jocelyn Elliott a few weeks later. The Australian prime minister at the time, Malcolm Turnbull, said it was a “difficult diplomatic situation”.
Foreign affairs minister, Penny Wong, said on Friday morning that Elliott was “safe and well” and had “been reunited with his wife Jocelyn and their children”. She was very pleased with the result, she said.
In a statement, the Elliott family expressed their relief and thanked the government and “all who have been involved over time to secure his release”.
“We wish to express our thanks to God and all who have continued to pray for us,” the statement said.
“We also continue to pray for those still held and wish them freedom and safe return to their loved ones.
“At 88 years of age, and after many years away from home, Dr Elliott now needs time and privacy to rest and rebuild strength. We thank you for your understanding and sympathy.”
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In 2018, Jocelyn Elliott pleaded for her husband’s release, saying he did not “have much longer to live on this Earth”.
The violent insurgency in Burkina Faso between various armed groups, including jihadis, has continued since 2015.
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Wong said the government and the Elliot family had worked tirelessly toward his release.
“We acknowledge the strength and resilience Dr Elliott and members of his family have shown through the most difficult of circumstances,” she said.
“We extend our thanks to the Australian officials who have worked over many years to secure Dr Elliott’s release and to provide support to his family.
“Dr Elliott and his family have asked for privacy, and we ask that the media respect their wishes at this time.”
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade warns people not to travel Burkina Faso at all, due to “ongoing civil unrest, high risk of terrorist attacks and kidnapping and banditry”.