Four South African peacekeepers released in Darfur

April 26, 2010 (KHARTOUM) — Four South African peacekeepers were released today after more than two weeks of capture by former rebels who were in difference with the Sudanese government.

The hybrid peacekeeping mission declared the South African police adviser missing on April 12 twenty four hours after their disappearance outside Nyala, capital of South Darfur state.

The People’s Democratic Struggle Movement (PDSM), a breakaway faction form the former rebel SLM-Free Will, admitted the kidnapping of the four peacekeepers saying it wanted to prove lack of security and no suitable atmosphere for elections in the restive region.

Last week, the abductors disclosed their decision to release the two women and two men after the announcement of the results of elections.

“We released them half an hour ago,” said Ibrahim al-Dukki, a PDSM spokesperson in a statement to the AFP. “We dropped them off in the Niertiti area,” in west Darfur, Dukki said, adding that no ransom had been paid.

The UNAMID in statement issued today confirmed the release saying their release after a pledge by President Omer Al-Bashir to do everything possible to for a safe return of the hostages.

“We are grateful to have our colleagues back with us. This day would not have been possible, had it not been for the good cooperation of the Government of the Sudan and the local authorities of South Darfur,” said UNAMID chief, Ibrahim Gambari, who was in Nyala to greet the released peacekeepers.

The four peacekeepers are expected to fly to South Africa after medical examinations.

(ST)