A German missionary priest has been freed in Mali after more than a year in captivity.

News of his release was officially confirmed by his congregation, the Missionaries of Africa, on Wednesday, 29 November.

In a statement they said: “we are overjoyed to know that he is finally free after so many months.”

Father Hans-Joachim Lohre is member of a missionary Society known as the White Fathers. He leads the Institute for Christian-Muslim dialogue in Bamako.

Fr Ha-Jo was aware of the risks to his safety by continuing to work in Mali. Still, he persisted, driven by a desire to improve the situation for the country overall and to remain with his small Christian community. Hans-Joachim Lohre, known affectionately as Fr Ha-Jo, disappeared in Bamako, Mali, on 20 November 2022. He had over 30 years of experience in Mali. His car was found abandoned, and the cross he normally carried was on the floor.