More Burkina Faso attacks..

[BRICKBURN]

I was just reading that CAR has come to a peace accord with a host of rebel groups. Not ready to run in yet though.

 

[sestoppelman]

Not sure its ISIS either, just what was reported. Its all Jihad any way you look at it.

 

[JakeH]

Not sure its ISIS either, just what was reported. Its all Jihad any way you look at it.

They’re all radical wahabbists being funded by the Saudis, no matter what they’re calling themselves.

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

Hopefully this is a sign of more military intervention to come and kick out the terrorists.

https://www.foxnews.com/world/american-hostage-freed-in-africa-french-soldiers-killed

 

[johnnyblues]

Just saw that. Good stuff. Condolences to the French commandos.

 

[LivingTheDream]

I had heard about the 2 Frenchmen being kidnapped but did not see anything regarding the US citizen or the Korean. So this might be a larger regional issue?

I feel like the French forces are applying extra pressure to stabilize the area. I recieved an email that the situation was improving with possible hunting in 2020 or 2021. I believe that is optimistic but it is was good to see some good news for a change.

 

[sestoppelman]

And I had recently strongly considered both Benin and BF for my next hunt! Glad I had not booked either.

 

[Hogpatrol]

I had heard about the 2 Frenchmen being kidnapped but did not see anything regarding the US citizen or the Korean. So this might be a larger regional issue?

I feel like the French forces are applying extra pressure to stabilize the area. I recieved an email that the situation was improving with possible hunting in 2020 or 2021. I believe that is optimistic but it is was good to see some good news for a change.

Network news said the American and Korean weren't known to be held and the word "safari" was mentioned. Take it for what it's worth.

 

[sestoppelman]

Believe the "safari" guys were taken in Benin, then moved to BF. No thanks.

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

Some American friends and co-workers of mine in Nigeria recently went on a safari in northern Benin and had no issues. In fact, they reported it was one of the best hunts they even went on.

 

[LivingTheDream]

@375 Ruger Fan I just spoke with someone who did a hunt there 2 months ago, said it was great and no concerns. So is this a random act or more of the start of a trend? I think pressure is being stepped up in the terrorist in the region, does that slow the spread or cause them to scatter to more remote areas like the parks? A lot of speculation and only those on the ground I suppose really know. Any foreign country there are some risks involved.

I know they said the frenchmen were in Safari but given the time if year, I am guessing photo safari. Also they only had a guide, and not a couple of trackers with them. Just my guess though.

Either way, the fact we are talking about Benin is a real shame, it was/is a stable democracy with low crime. Apparently the last elections didnt go to well either. Feel like African countries go through cycles of stability and instability, you just never know.

 

[Hogpatrol]

Wherever the outlaws/terrorists can kidnap a foreign national and know they're going to get money, they're going to do it. The American woman that was kidnapped had ransom paid for her release. My opinion is if you are going to one of these northern countries frequented by foreigners, you are taking a larger than nomal risk.

 

[sestoppelman]

Some American friends and co-workers of mine in Nigeria recently went on a safari in northern Benin and had no issues. In fact, they reported it was one of the best hunts they even went on.

The ones that were kidnapped probably have a different view of it.....

 

[YancyW]

I have a pretty high tolerance when it comes to travel, but it is far too hot of an area for me right now.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-48246715

 

[Solitaire]

I've been lucky to hunt BF 12 times during the last 20 years, first in the South in Nazinga Reserve (Border with Ghana) and then in the South-East in Pama on the Pendjari river (border with Benin). Elephants, Buffalos, Roans, Cobs De Fassa (western waterbuck), Cobs de Buffon, Bushbucks, Major Hartebeest, Reduncas, Warthogs ..... were everywhere .... so beautifull places and people to hunt with.
But now, it's urgent to wait

 

[Environ]

I have just returned from Konkombri in Benin and it was completely safe for us despite the issue in the park, however, someone was killed around the corner from my office in London.

 

[BRICKBURN]

Hunt report?

 

[sestoppelman]

I have just returned from Konkombri in Benin and it was completely safe for us despite the issue in the park, however, someone was killed around the corner from my office in London.

That you were not kidnapped or shot does not indicate that you were completely safe. It just means you were lucky. We are not completely safe anywhere.

 

[sestoppelman]

Park Pendjari, Park W and Adjacent Hunting Zones – Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Extremist groups have carried out attacks in areas of Burkina Faso adjacent to Benin’s northern border, near Parks Pendjari and W and adjacent hunting zones. Attacks may occur with little or no warning. Western tourists have been kidnapped in Park Pendjari, in northern Benin.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Benin’s northern border areas. U.S. government employees are prohibited from personal travel and must obtain special authorization for official travel to Parks Pendjari and W and all adjacent hunting zones

From the US State Dept.