THE pilot Ryan Koher, a United States citizen, has been granted a provisional release from prison in Mozambique, the Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) reported on Friday.

The Christian charity has been campaigning for his release since he was first detained on 4 November (News, 9 December 2022). A request for bail had been denied by a Mozambican judge on 9 February, after which MAF staff undertook 24 hours of prayer and fasting for his release (News, 17 February).

Mr Koher, who is 33, is a pilot for Ambassador Aviation Ltd (AAL), which is a partner of MAF in Mozambique. He was detained before piloting a charter flight to deliver supplies to various orphanages near Montepuez in northern Mozambique. He and two South African nationals, who had brought in the supplies for the orphanages, have been imprisoned on suspicion of supporting insurgents in the country.

MAF subsequently confirmed that AAL had retained a lawyer for Mr Koher and that the US Embassy was involved.

All three men were released last Tuesday afternoon and have been in touch with their families. A statement from MAF said: “They are required to remain in Mozambique and the case is still ongoing. We are continuing to learn more about next steps in the case from our legal counsel. . .

“Ryan has talked with his wife, Annabel, and his two sons multiple times now and he is doing well.

“The executive leadership team of MAF-US expresses its thanks for all those who have been praying for Ryan and his family. We ask for continued prayer that the final outcome will be a full release of Ryan from any charges and trial.

“MAF is grateful to the courts in Mozambique for this decision. Out of respect for the legal process in Mozambique, MAF will make no further comment at this time.”