Burkino Faso: Kidnapped 83 year-old nun released

Sr Suellen and colleagues before her kidnapping. Image Fides

Source: Fides

A 83-year-old nun who was kidnapped in Burkina Faso more than five months ago has been safely released. The Congregation of the Sisters of Mary of the Holy Cross released the news that Sister Suellen Tennyson, kidnapped on the night between April 4 and 5 this year, in the parish of Yalgo, 110 kilometres from Kaya, capital of the Central-Northern Region was free.

"Sister Suellen is safe. She is on American soil, but not in America", said Sister Mary Lacour. "Sister Suellen was released on Monday, August 29. We spoke to her. She will be returning to the United States soon."

Bishop Théophile Naré of Kaya said in an official statement: "With great joy and gratitude to God," he confirmed the release iof Sr Suellen. According to the bishop, she is in a safe place and in good health.

"At the moment we have no information on the terms of her release," Bishop Naré said.

Initial reports in the US press, suggest the release could be the result of an action byUS security forces. The Chief of Staff of the US Armed Forces, General Mark Milley, said on 30 August: "we have freed another hostage in the last 48 hours."