AFRICA/SUDAN - The kidnappers of the two priests have demanded a ransom for their release

Khartoum (Agenzia Fides) - "The two priests are held near the town of Wadakona, on the border between Sudan and South Sudan. We asked the authorities in Juba (South Sudan) not to intervene, so as not to endanger the lives of the hostages", say to Fides sources of the Archbishopric in Khartoum, in an update on the situation of the two priests, Father Joseph Makwey and Father Sylvester Mogga, kidnapped on January 15 in the parish of Saint Josephine Bakhita, in Rabak, 260 kilometers south of Khartoum (see Fides 18/01/2012 and 19/01/2012). "The kidnappers have demanded a large sum for the release of two priests: 500,000 Sudanese pounds. Negotiations are in progress" continue our sources.
"Yesterday we had a meeting with Cardinal Gabriel Zubeir Wako, Archbishop of Khartoum, to try to assess the facts. One wants to resolve the situation without creating precedents that encourage other kidnappings of priests. The situation is followed by the Nunzio and by the Human Rights Commission", concludes the source of Fides. In the area there have already been several kidnappings, which have seen the ransom payment by phone. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 20/01/2012)