Congo’s army says a Spanish doctor, kidnapped by militia earlier this month, has been released

Congo’s army says Spanish hostage has been freed

KINSHASA, Congo — A Congolese army commander says a Spanish doctor who was kidnapped while on vacation in Congo has been freed.

Gen. Michel Ekutshu says Mario Zarza was freed Tuesday by the Congolese army and will travel to the town of Mbandaka Wednesday. He says he spoke with Zarza who said he is fine.

Zarza was seized April 1 while traveling on a boat on the Congo River in northern Equateur Province, according to information minister Lambert Mende. Mende said last week that the Enyele militia shaved all of Zarza’s body hair because they believed it could give them magic powers in battle.

The militia then attacked the northern town of Kisangani on April 4, leading to clashes with the U.N.-backed military that killed at least 29 people.