An Australian missionary who was kidnapped with her husband by an Al Qaeda-affiliated militant group has been released, according to reports on Saturday.
Jocelyn and Ken Elliott were running a 120-bed clinic in Djibo, located in Burkina Faso, since 1972, when they were abducted by Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) on January 16 from their homes.
Jocelyn Elliott was presented to the public alongside Niger President Mahamadou Issoufou on Saturday during a press conference.
"To the Burkina and Niger authorities, I thank you for your efforts and thank you for all you have done for us. Thank you," said Elliott in a press conference.
Elliott also expressed hopes that her husband, whom she confirmed to be alive, would also soon be released from captivity.
"The Elliott family are deeply grateful for the safe release of our mother Jocelyn. We wish to convey our great appreciation to the authorities in #Niger and #BurkinaFaso for their support and assistance in facilitating Mrs. Elliott's release," wrote the Elliott family in a statement.
"For over four decades she has served the Burkinabe people together with our father Dr. Ken Elliott," the family continued. "They are separated now but united in their desire to bring healing and hope to the people of Northern Burkina Faso and the surrounding regions. We are trusing that the moral and guiding principles of those who have released our Mother will also be applied to our elderly father how has served the community of #Djibo and the Sahel for more than half his lifetime. We respectfully request that they be allowed to continue their work together, providing essential surgical services."
Elliott did not mention any specific details on the nature of her release. AQIM said in an audio statement that they released Elliott under no conditions due to religious duty and the orders of their superiors.
"It is our religious duty to respect the civilians, based on the prophet's hadith on not harming women, the elderly and the children, and based on the guidance by our commanders," said the group.
AQIM also stated that their "primary motive behind their kidnapping" was to help release members of their group who are currently imprisoned.
Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull also did not comment on the circumstances surrounding the release, but said, "We're dealing with a difficult diplomatic situation and the Burkina Faso government is working very well on it and we'll continue to stay in touch with them."
