A Giant Has Fallen
INCREDIBLY SAD NEWS. RORY YOUNG HAS BEEN KILLED. REST IN POWER – A TRUE HERO – SIMPLY THE BEST
” I couldn’t paint a wall but I do try to live up to the following quote by Picasso: “The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.” – Rory Young
News Report
The Irishman killed by “terrorists” during an attack on an anti-poaching patrol in Burkina Faso has been named as Rory Young. Two Spanish journalists – David Beriain, 44, and Roberto Fraile, 47, – were also killed.
Four people, including a member of the Burkinabe armed forces, were abducted on Monday following an armed ambush in the West African nation. Beriain and Fraile were both from northern Spain, according to members of the Reporters Without Borders organisation representing the two reporters’ families. Beriain was conducting early research for a documentary project on how Burkina Faso’s authorities are tackling poaching, also focusing on the communities of people living in the park, according to media content producer Movistar Plus.
‘DEDICATED LIFE TO WILDLIFE PROTECTION’
The company identified the Irish victim as Rory Young, director of the Chengeta Wildlife Foundation.
Young’s profile on the Chengeta Wildlife website describes him as “an expert tracker” who “dedicated his life to wildlife protection”.
It reads: “Zambian born, Pro Guide, Ranger, Anti-poaching Strategist/Trainer, Author.
“Rory is an expert tracker with amazing knowledge, skills and highly developed intuition to become one of the best in his field.
“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.”
‘DANGEROUS AREA’
The fatal ambush happened near the Pama forest reserve in the east of the country when the convoy entered a position held by militants who opened fire.
Spain’s prime minister Pedro Sanchez tweeted: “The worst news is confirmed. All the affection for the relatives and friends of David Beriain and Roberto Fraile, murdered in Burkina Faso.
“And our recognition to those who, like them, carry out courageous and essential journalism from conflict zones on a daily basis.”
Spain’s foreign affairs minister Arancha Gonzalez told a press conference that at the time of the attack they were travelling in a group with about 40 people.
She added: “It is a dangerous area where terrorists, bandits, jihadists usually operate.”
‘SITUATION IS COMPLEX’
The Department of Foreign Affairs said they continue “to closely follow unfolding developments in Burkina Faso”.
The statement added: “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.”
A member of the Burkinabe armed forces is still missing, security sources have said.
PROTECTIVE SHIELD
The attackers used two pick-up vehicles and a dozen motorbikes, according to security sources. Two Burkinabe soldiers were wounded in the attack and evacuated to a military hospital in the capital, Ouagadougou.
One soldier was shot in the leg and the other in his arm, causing it to be amputated.
The soldiers told reporters that when attack started, they tried to form a protective shield around the foreigners, but once the shooting stopped they realised they had disappeared.
One of the poorest countries in the world, Burkina Faso is struggling with a ruthless insurgency by armed Islamists who swept in from neighbouring Mali in 2015.
‘GREAT DANGERS’
Almost 1,100 people have died and more than a million people have fled their homes. The secretary general of Reporters Without Borders, Christophe Deloire, blasted the attack on journalists.
He said: “This tragedy confirms the great dangers reporters face in the Sahel region.”
Monday’s attack is the latest in a long list of incidents that are plaguing the country.
– Craig Farrell
Photo by Jo Phillips at London Silent Protest For Elephants & Rhinos
- Irishman Rory Young’s desperate fight for life before execution in Burkina Faso
- Irish ‘wildlife hero’ and two Spanish documentary makers are among four people killed ‘in terror attack on their convoy’ as they made anti-poaching film in Burkina Faso
- Director-General condemns killing of journalists David Beriain and Roberto Fraile in Burkina Faso
Video by Jo Phillips 2017
