German Catholic cleric kidnapped in Mali in 2022 finally released

A Catholic priest of German nationality, Father Hans-Joachim Lohre, who disappeared in November 2022 in Mali and considered kidnapped, has been released, two archdiocese and government officials said on Sunday.

“Priest Hans-Joachim Lohre, kidnapped on November 20, 2022, was released this Sunday. He is on the plane for his country,” said an archdiocese official speaking on condition of anonymity according to common use in hostage cases.

A government official confirmed the information, also on condition of anonymity.

Father Hans-Joachim Lohre had disappeared while he was supposed to celebrate mass in a district of Bamako.

He was since considered to have been the victim of a kidnapping, common in Mali but exceptional in the capital.