Efforts are going on to free Darfur kidnapped aid workers

July 25, 2009 (DUBLIN) — An aid group thanked yesterday the Irish people for their support to the families of two aid workers kidnapped in Darfur last month adding that intensive efforts are going on to secure their release.

“I want to thank the Irish people for all their support and prayers. They have been a rock of strength and comfort to the families of both hostages who were kidnapped three weeks ago today.” said John O’Shea GOAL chief executive on Friday.

Two women working with the Irish GOAL, Hilda Kawuki, 42, from Uganda, and Sharon Commins, 32, from Ireland were kidnapped from their compound in North Darfur town of Kutum by six armed men on July 3.

During the first week, Sudan and the aid group said they had no news about their whereabouts and the identity of the kidnappers. But after the Sudanese authorities said they seeking to get a ransom and denied any political motivations.

“I want to assure the public that the Irish Government, the Sudanese Government and GOAL are working around the clock in Sudan trying to secure the release of Sharon and Hilda. We will continue to be unsparing in our efforts” added O’Shea.

The kidnappers have made a two million US dollar ransom demand for their release. But, the Sudanese government refused to pay it saying it would encourage them to abduct more foreign aid workers in the future.

Sudan said it only pledged to kidnappers they will not face criminal charges, if they free them safe.

Dublin dispatched a team of negotiators to deal with the situation but they work in coordination with the local authorities.

(ST)