Coptic pastor freed from kidnappers: South Darfur Governor

Governor Adam El Faki of South Darfur announced on Wednesday that the state security services have managed to secure the release of kidnapped Coptic Orthodox pastor Gabriel Anthony.

Rev. Gabriel Anthony was kidnapped from his farm in Nyala locality on April 13.

Governor El Faki told a press conference that Rev. Anthony has arrived in Nyala safely and in good health. He did not disclose the manner of the pastor’s release, or whether this was achieved by force or bargain.

The pastor himself said that he has “returned to Nyala with more strength” and will not relent in his determination to do his duty toward his homeland.

Many Copts in Sudan descend from Egyptian Copts who migrated to the neighbouring country. Sudan now has a native Coptic minority.

The Copts and other long-established Christian groups are known to experience discriminatory treatment by Khartoum. According to Minority Rights Group International in 2008, they numbered up to 500,000 of the Sudanese population.