AU calls for immediate release of abducted aid worker in Darfur

October 25, 2009 (ADDIS ABABA) — The chairperson of Africa Union commission, Jean Ping condemned the latest kidnapping of a French aid worker in Darfur region and urges unconditional release.

Gauthier Lefevre,a French employee of the international committee of the red cross (ICRC) was abducted on Thursday in western Darfur region by un identified gunmen.

In a statement AU released yesterday, the AU chair person expressed his concern about this form of crime that is targeting humanitarian aid workers who are committed to do whatever to their power to help the most vulnerable people of the Darfur society.

Ping strongly called for an urgent and unconditional release to the kidnapped ICRC staffer and also for the two united Nations-African Union mission in Darfur(UNAMID) civilian staff who were abducted from their residence in Zalingei,west Darfur,more than three months ago.

The chair person sizes this opportunity to encourage the government of Sudan and those relentlessly working for the release of the abducted international staffs to double efforts so that they can be reunited with their respective families.

According to ICRC, Gauthier Lefevre was kidnapped mid day on Thursday while returning with other ICRC staff to El-Geneina after completing a field trip north of the capital of west Darfur to help water supply system to local communities.

(ST)