Sudan pledges to protect Chinese workers in Darfur

January19, 2013 (KHARTOUM) – The governor of North Darfur state has pledged security measures to ensure the continuation of construction of Al-Ingaz road, announcing the formation of a security belt composed of army, police and security for the protection of the workers.

Sudanese authorities freed on 17 January four Chinese who had been abducted five days before their release by the kidnappers. However 11 Sudanese workers are still in the hands of the unknown abductors.

Mohamed Osman Kibir received yesterday in the state capital of Al- Fasher representatives of the two Chinese companies of POLY& RAILROAD working in the construction of the sector of Al- Fasher- Umm Kaddada of Western Ingaz Road, following the release of four Chinese workers.

He said both companies delegation’s visit to El- Fasher to express feelings towards the release of the four abductees reflects the nobility and originality of the Chinese people; who have old deeply rooted ties of friendship and cooperation with the Sudanese people.

He described the western sector road as the first project for Darfur citizen’s concern that hopes the two companies complete, considering what has so far been achieved as difficult task, saying “we would be much more concerned with the work completion of the road than ever before”.

For his part, the deputy director of Chinese POLY, Jank, praised the efforts made by the state government through its military, police and native administration, which resulted in the release of the four Chinese in good health and psychologically well, with the exception of one of them; who was transferred to China for surgical operation as the result of injury.

He expressed delight at the actions announced by the governor of North Darfur on securing the western sector road, expressing hope that these efforts would be successful so that the two companies can continue to work .

The families of the Sudanese workers appealed on the Sudanese authorities to do the necessary efforts to free their sons as they did for the Chinese.

In a press release they issued in Al-Fasher, the families expressed their increased concern over the fate of workers. They also questioned why the government –led efforts did not yield to the release of their children.

(ST)