Update: Statement by African Parks on the Rescue of Two Tourists Missing from Pendjari, Benin

African Parks is very pleased that the two French nationals, Patrick Picque and Laurent Lassimouillas, who had gone missing from Pendjari National Park in Benin on May 1st, were rescued in an operation carried out by French forces in Burkina Faso on Thursday night, May 9th. Two other civilians were also rescued, but sadly two French soldiers were killed in action during the operation.

This follows the tragic discovery of the body of the guide, Fiacre Gbédji, in Pendjari on May 4th, which was previously reported.

While we have no information at this point regarding who the perpetrators may be, we are continuing to work closely with the relevant authorities, and are very relieved for the safe return of all involved. To read the statement from the French Government, please click here.

For media enquiries, please contact:

Benin Government: Wilfried Léandre Houngbedji, Email : whoungbedji@presidence.bj , Tel : +229 97324221

African Parks: Fran Read, Email : franr@africanparks.org , Tel: +27 60 561 6047

French Statement