Irish citizen killed in Burkina Faso was working in anti-poaching operations
28 April 2021 (The Journal) – The Irish citizen murdered in Burkina Faso was working in anti-poaching operations, The Journal has learned.
Rory Young, who was born in Zambia, was the co-founder and President of Chengeta Wildlife. He has been involved in the training of anti-poaching rangers in Africa. […]
Sources said that the JNIM (Groupe de soutien à l’islam et aux musulmans), an Islamic militant group, has claimed responsibility.
In a statement issued by the office of the Prime Minister, details are given about the incident which happened when an anti-poaching patrol stumbled across an insurgent position. […]
The Journal has learned that Rory Young was working in anti-poaching operations in the country. He has a long history of working in the area of wildlife conservation.
It is understood that he is an Irish passport holder and that his grandparents were Irish.
The two Spanish victims of the attack were named by their Government as David Beriain and Roberto Fraile – both were in their 40s and working as journalists.
It is understood he was working on a documentary with the Spanish journalists when they came under attack.
Young’s profile on the Chengeta Wildlife website said that he was a committed activist against poaching.
“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. [more]
Irish citizen killed in Burkina Faso was working in anti-poaching operations
Bodies of Irishman and two Spanish journalists flown from Burkina Faso after killings
By Ailbhe Daly
30 April 2021
(Irish Daily Mirror) – The bodies of slain conservation worker Rory Young and two Spanish journalists were taken to Spain today by the country’s air force.
These sombre pictures show the three coffins being carried into the Torregon de Ardoz airbase in Madrid after being killed in Burkina Faso, West Africa earlier this week.
The Irish national, Spanish journalists David Beriain and Roberto Fraile and a Burkinabe soldier went missing after being attacked by gunmen during an anti-poaching patrol on Monday.
Mr Young, who was born in Zambia to Irish parents and co-founder and president of the Chengeta Wildlife, was named as one of those who died by the wildlife charity on Tuesday evening.
Staff at Chengeta Wildlife have paid tribute to Rory as well as setting up a fundraiser to help support his devastated family.
The fundraiser has already seen more than 100 donations totalling €11,826 at the time of writing.
They said: “After departing Burkina Faso, Rory and the two Spanish journalists accompanying him arrived in Madrid and all were received with military honors.
“Rory is now back home in the Netherlands with his loving family for his final resting place.
Chengeta Wildlife is grateful for the support of the Governments of Burkina Faso, Spain, and Ireland and to the Embassies of France and the Netherlands in Ouagadougou for their support in bringing Rory home. [more]
Bodies of Irishman and two Spanish journalists flown from Burkina Faso after killings
