Three Sudanese aid workers kidnapped in North Darfur

June 20, 2014 (KHARTOUM) – Unidentified gunmen abducted three Sudanese aid worker in North Darfur state this week announced GOAL, an Irish humanitarian group, on Friday.

“Goal is currently working with the relevant authorities in Sudan to locate the whereabouts of two of their Sudanese aid workers who remain unaccounted for following an incident in the Darfur region of Sudan on Wednesday, June 18th,” the group said.

The two Goal national staff members and a Sudanese national working with another agency were abducted while travelling by vehicle on a routine assignment close to Kutum town in North Darfur.

The abductors released the driver of the vehicle but kept the three aid workers, the group stressed.

“All relevant authorities have been informed and are working with GOAL’s crisis management team and team in country to determine the next course of action,” said GOAL’s Chief Operations Officer, Jonathan Edgar.

North Darfur authorities did not issue any statement on the matter.

Last week, an Indian contractor with the African Union-United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) was freed on Thursday in North Darfur 97 days after his abduction by unknown group.

Armed gangs in Darfur troubled region used to kidnap Sudanese working in international groups and foreigners to demand ransom for their release.

(ST)