Dr. Kenneth Elliott was kidnapped in northern Burkina Faso in 2016 along with his wife, who was released shortly after her abduction.
An 88-year-old Australian doctor who was held captive in West Africa for more than seven years has been freed and returned safely to his family, the Australian government has announced.
Kenneth Elliott, from the west coast city of Perth, is safe and reunited with his wife Jocelyn and their children, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said in a statement on Friday.
“We extend our thanks to the Australian officials who have worked for many years to secure Dr. Elliott’s release and provide support to his family,” Wong said.
Elliott and his wife were kidnapped by rebel fighters in the north Burkina Faso in January 2016 near the Mali border and Niger, where they had operated a 120-bed medical clinic for more than 40 years.
Jocelyn Elliott was released after three weeks.
Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb he said he kidnapped the couple and released the woman unconditionally due to public pressure and leadership guidance not to involve women in war.
Wong said the Elliott family had asked for privacy, “and we ask that the media respect their wishes at this time.”
The doctor’s family issued a statement through the Foreign Ministry thanking all those who had “continued to pray for us.”
“We express our relief that Dr Elliott is free and we thank the Australian government and all who have been involved over time in securing his release,” the family said.
“At 88 years of age, and after many years away from home, Dr. Elliott now needs time and privacy to rest and regain strength. We thank you for your understanding and sympathy.”
I am pleased to report that Dr. Kenneth Elliott has been released after more than seven years of captivity in West Africa.
Dr. Elliott is safe and sound and has been reunited with his wife Jocelyn and their children.
Thanks to the Australian officials who secured his release.
— Senator Penny Wong (@SenatorWong) May 19, 2023