UNAMID praises Sudan’s efforts to release its members
December 14, 2009 (KHARTOUM) — The acting head of the hybrid peacekeeping mission in Darfur praised the efforts done by the Sudanese authorities to release two of its civilian staff members who had been kidnapped for more than three months.
They arrived in Al Fasher, North Darfur today on their way to their respective countries after their release on Sunday 13 December 2009 after 107 days of abduction.
UNAMID Joint Special Representative ad interim (JSR a.i.), Henry Anyidoho, who received the former hostages at Al Fasher Airport, voiced deep gratitude for their release.
“We are all very happy and relieved that they will be able to have a re-union with their families, particularly with their children who had to wait for their parents for so long and under a great deal of uncertainty,” said Anyidoho.
The UNAMID had raised the security of its members during the seventh tripartite meeting held in Khartoum last November. At the time Anyioho stressed the importance of continuing efforts to ensure their safe release.
“The Government has consistently assured UNAMID that Pamela and Patrick would be released unharmed and we are extremely grateful and happy that this has been the case. I have already spoken to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to convey my appreciation for their efforts and will send notes of thanks to all officials involved,” he further said.
Two years after its establishment, the hybrid mission did not reach its authorized troop strength of 19,555 and 4,449 police. Also the mission still needs for 18 transport helicopters, an aerial reconnaissance unit and a level II hospital.
Yesterday the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Jean Ping, welcomed the release of the UNAMID staff members.
“He wishes to pay a well deserved tribute to the two staff members who are citizens of Nigeria and Zimbabawe and to congratulate them for their courage, patience and resilience,” said a statement issued last night.
Ping further praised the efforts of UNAMID Sudanese government of officials in securing the safe release of the abductees.
(ST)