Kidnapped German priest probably free
Almost exactly a year ago, a German priest was kidnapped in Mali - not uncommon in the country. According to government representatives, he has now been released.
German Father Hans-Joachim Lohre, who was kidnapped in Mali, has been released. This was announced by a government representative in Mali and two representatives of the archdiocese, who wished to remain anonymous. According to the statement, Lohre was already on a plane on his way back home. The Catholic priest, who had lived in Mali for around 30 years, disappeared in the Malian capital Bamako in November 2022.
Lohre had failed to show up for a mass he was supposed to hold. His car was parked in front of his house and his cell phone went to voicemail.
Lohre taught at the Institute for Christian-Islamic Education in Bamako. The clergyman was also responsible for a faith and meeting center in Bamako.
In the past, there have been repeated kidnappings of Christian clergymen in Mali. Islamist militias have been trying to take control of the country for around ten years. Socially and ethnically charged conflicts are exacerbating the instability.
The kidnapping of Father Hans-Joachim Lohre, a German priest, occurred in Mali last year, not an unusual incident in the country. After being held captive for some time, Lohre was recently released internationally.
Source: www.ntv.de
