Nun kidnapped in Mali in 2017 freed

BAMAKO (MALI): A Colombian nun who was kidnapped more than four years ago by al-Qaeda-linked extremists in Mali has been freed, Mali's presidency said on Saturday. Gloria Narvaez was kidnapped in February 2017 near Mali's border with Burkina Faso. "The presidency of Mali salutes the courage and bravery of this nun," Mali's presidency said in a statement. The conditions of her release have not been revealed. Narvaez was held by al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb, which had released several videos in which she asks for help from the Vatican."I first thank God. I thank the Malian authorities, the president for all the efforts made so that I am free," Narvaez said in a brief statement made on state TV.