Goal head tells of 'around the clock' efforts to free captive women

EFFORTS WERE continuing in Sudan yesterday to secure the release of two women who were kidnapped three weeks ago while working for the Irish aid agency Goal.

Sharon Commins (32), from Clontarf, Dublin, and her Ugandan colleague Hilda Kawuki (42) were seized from a Goal compound in Kutum, in north Darfur, by a gang of armed men at 8.30pm on Friday, July 3rd.

Goal chief executive John O’Shea yesterday expressed thanks for the support the hostages’ families had received and reiterated that work was continuing “around the clock” to secure their release.

“I want to thank the Irish people for all their support and prayers,” Mr O’Shea said in a statement. “They have been a rock of strength and comfort to the families of both hostages who were kidnapped three weeks ago.

“Their solidarity continues to reflect the affection the Irish people hold for all our aid agency volunteers, and their empathy with the poorest of the poor.”

He continued: “I want to assure the public that the Irish Government, the Sudanese government and Goal are working around the clock in Sudan trying to secure the release of Sharon and Hilda. We will continue to be unsparing in our efforts.”

Sudanese authorities said earlier this month they have been negotiating with the kidnappers and liaising with tribal elders.

Government officials and negotiators were sent to Khartoum and El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, and the women have spoken to them on a number of occasions. They told officials they were in good health. Ms Commins has been with Goal for about four years and spent the last 18 months in the Darfur region.