Efforts to secure the release of an Irish aid worker kidnapped in the Darfur region of Sudan 13 days ago are being intensified, the agency Goal said today.
Sharon Commins (32), from Clontarf, Dublin, and Hilda Kawuki (42), from Uganda, who work for Goal, were seized by armed men on July 3rd from their base in the north Darfur town of Kutum.
It was reported yesterday that the kidnappers had demanded $2 million for their release.
In a short statement today, Goal said: "As Sharon Commins and Hilda Kawuki commence their 13th day in captivity the Irish delegation, which includes a Goal representative, remain in regular contact with the kidnappers, and they are intensifying their efforts to secure the release of the 'Goalies'."
"The kidnappers are asking for $2 million. But our policy is not to pay ransom. We feel that would encourage others to do the same," said state minister for humanitarian affairs Abdel Baqi al-Jailani yesterday.
The minister said Darfur officials were using local leaders to negotiate with the kidnappers, adding he was still expecting a positive outcome. "Our main priority remains the safety of the two women," he told Reuters.
He added that reports in Sudanese state media the abductors were asking for $200 million were incorrect.
Irish Government officials and negotiators have been sent to Khartoum and El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, to help free the women.
Two groups of foreign aid workers kidnapped in Darfur earlier this year were released unharmed after a period of negotiation.
Additional reporting: Reuters