Swedish government announces release of hostage in Mali

A Swedish man kidnapped by Islamic militants in northern Mali nearly six years ago has been released from captivity, the Swedish government confirmed Monday. There was no immediate word on the fate of a second hostage, from South Africa, who was also seized in Timbuktu. Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallstrom announced the release of Johan Gustafsson — who had been on a motorcycle tour through Africa — without giving details on what had finally led to his freedom, leaving also open whether the Nordic country’s government paid a ransom in exchange for his freedom.