SNATCHED
Irish charity worker dead after being kidnapped by ‘terrorists’ during anti-poaching patrol in Burkina Faso
AN IRISH charity worker was killed after being kidnapped by "terrorists" during an anti-poaching patrol in Burkina Faso.
The bodies of two Spanish journalists were also found after four people were reportedly abducted yesterday following an armed ambush.
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The three Europeans, along with a member of the Burkinabe armed forces, went missing after the attack in the Fada N'Gourma-Pama area.
Spanish foreign minister Arancha Gonzalez Laya today named the two Spanish victims as journalists David Beriain and Roberto Fraile, who were abducted while filming a documentary in the area.
Irish national and co-founder and president of the anti-poaching group Chengeta Wildlife, Rory Young, was identified as the third victim by the organisation.
Spanish prime minister Pedro Sánchez said today: "We have confirmation of the worst possible news.
"All our love to the family and loved ones of David Beriáin and Roberto Fraile, who were murdered in Burkina Faso.
"And also our recognition of those who, like them, practise brave and essential journalism on a daily basis in conflict zones."
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Movistar, the production company the Spanish men worked for, said: "It is with great sadness that we learn of the passing of David Beriain.
"The Movistar + family, of which he was a part, sends all their affection to the loved ones and families of David, Roberto Fraile and Rory Young, who have lost their lives in Pama (Burkina Faso). Goodbye, companions."
Chengeta Wildlife said in a statement: "It is with deepest sorrow and regret that Chengeta Wildlife confirms the death of Rory Young, our co-founder and CEO.
"Rory was leading a wildlife protection patrol in Arly National Park, Burkina Faso on 26th April 2021 when they were attacked by terrorists which resulted in his death and that of two Spanish journalists who were capturing his efforts to protect precious wildlife.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased right now. We respectfully request your patience, time and understanding as we deal with the loss of our inspirational leader."
On the charity's website, Mr Young was described as a pro guide, ranger, anti-poaching strategist/trainer and author.
"Rory is an expert tracker with amazing knowledge, skills and highly developed intuition to become one of the best in his field," his biography reads.
"He has dedicated his life to wildlife protection and he co-authored, A Field Manual For Anti-Poaching Activities, a guide that provides workable solutions to poaching."
'GREAT SADNESS'
The Burkina Faso Government said the group of foreigners were 15km from their base at the eastern town of Natiaboni when they were attacked.
Yendifimba Jean-Claude Louari, the mayor of Fada N'gourma, said that a large operation was under way to locate them after they went missing.
It is understood that security and government officials said that two military lorries and 12 motorcycles and guns were also stolen during the attack on Monday.
In a statement, a spokeswoman for the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs said: "The Department of Foreign Affairs continues to closely follow unfolding developments in Burkina Faso.
"The situation is complex and officials are working with relevant actors on the ground, including Spanish and EU colleagues, to ensure that the full facts are established and followed up on as a matter of urgency.
"The Department has been in contact with the family of the Irish citizen and is providing all possible consular support.
"As with all consular cases, it would be not appropriate to comment on specific details of the case at this time."
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The Sahel region in Burkina Faso has security issues due to the presence of jihadist groups such as the Islamic State (IS) and al-Qaida.
The country also borders Mali, which has suffered an armed insurgency since 2012.
No group has claimed responsibility for this week's kidnapping.
The attack took place in the Fada N'Gourma-Pama area and the victims were part of a group of NGO workers soldiers, forest rangers and foreign journalists.
A local official said that three people were also injured in the attack.
A top security source said that eyewitness accounts have led to "fears that they may have been killed by the terrorists", adding that hopes of finding the victims alive "diminish with each passing hour".
He said "large-scale searches have still produced no results".
Numerous other foreign workers have previously been kidnapped in Burkina Faso, a former French colony.
Burkina Faso, one of the world's poorest countries, is struggling with a ruthless insurgency by Islamists who swept in from neighbouring Mali in 2015.
Almost 1,100 people have died and more than a million people have fled their homes.
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In January this year, a priest went missing in the country's southeast, sparking fears he had been kidnapped.
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Last August, the grand imam of the northern town of Djibo was found dead three days after gunmen stopped the car he was travelling in and kidnapped him.
In March 2019, a priest in Djibo was kidnapped, and in February 2018, a Catholic missionary, Cesar Fernandez, was murdered in the centre of the country.
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